How do I disable the emoticons in text messages?

[AC Question]

I have an Asus Zenfone 2E, and I can't figure out why it keeps turning my <3s into smilies with hearts over the eyes on its own. The Emoji and emoticon options for the keyboard I'm using are both turned off and I can't see where to make it stop doing this. If anyone knows how to disae this function, please tell me how because I am at a loss.

 

[belodion]

Welcome.

Are you using the stock keyboard app? If so, have you tried using another keyboard app from the Play Store? If so, what happens?