Flags and Languages

• Social media websites frequently use flags as links to different language versions of a website. In many circumstances, using a flag is not acceptable. For instance, using the UK flag may indicate an English language, but will not encompass all of English speakers since many English speakers live in countries other than the UK. Other countries have many different official languages, which cannot be adequately symbolized by a flag.
  
  

Emoticons

• According to Computer User, emoticons are a textual expression to represent the facial emotions of the writer. These symbols are commonly used in social media sites, text messaging and email. Smiley faces ;-), sad faces :-( and blowing kisses :-{} are all common examples of emoticons.
  
  

Acronyms and Text Lingo

• Often, acronyms will be used in text messaging, emails and social websites. Web acronyms are a shorthand version of writing. Common examples of acronyms are "idk" for "I don't know", "lol" for "laugh out loud" or "brb" for "be right back." There are thousands of acronyms used today and online dictionaries such as Netlingo to decode them.
  
  

Hash Tags and @ Symbol

• Hash tags are a numeric symbol (#) used to differentiate topics of posts or texts. Many websites use them, and they precede a common topic so users can sort posts based on topics. The @ symbol is used to specify another user or "friend" on a social network website or other social media website. They are commonly used for answering a question or responding to a previous text or post.