turn off emoji on android htc one

[AC Question]

I have a htc one and every time I send a text with or <3 it converts it into an emoji which i do not want! Doesn't matter if i'm using the regular keyboard or an app like swift key. how can I disable all these emojis?

 

[Almeuit]

I believe it requires root... That was my annoyance with the M8 when I had it.