What really is the difference and origins of ^_^ and :)

I know the latter was invented at Carnegie Mellon, but the former?

Studies show that Japanese and Americans but some people have other ideas.

Because Americans perceive thoughts from people’s smiles since moods are transparent here, they have smilies that focus purely on the mouth. Because Japanese perceive thoughts from people’s eyes, since moods are hidden and eyes can’t lie, they have smilies that focus on the eyes.

Which make sense.

I was born here in the US and still believe a lot of emotion is hidden. In some way, it’s not emotion. It’s people’s intent. There is a reason why I don’t wear sunglasses (typically) when talking with someone regardless of whether in the light or not. I am willing to let my eyes show and they should too.

I use the smilies provided by adium.