I think this is a matter of personal preference. It also matters what you're writing and who your intended audience is.
Using emojis is fun for me and has no impact on my self-respect. My intention is usually for the reader to enjoy what they're reading. If the reader hates slang or a conversational style, they'll hate my writing.
There is a wide range of writers and readers out there; not one style fits all.
Surely it does, if you have an audience of nerds they will surely appreciate smileys.
I don't understand what you're saying ^^
If you'd used an emoji, it could've been clearer ;)