I don't but my Aunty does.My mum used to but she more uses emojis now.
I'm guessing people use them for the same reason they use emojis.Mainly so a message comes across more light and casual seeing as tone is hard to tell over text.I tend to type with mostly proper spelling and grammar but I feel as though it can come across as hostile even though it is not my intention.
English
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I don't think you are hostile.
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Stop being hostile.
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That's better (b•_•)b