I think the problem is that icons are categorically bad for people who are unable to interpret their visual language. I switched my preference to text as soon as the icons were rolled out, and forgot about them. I resented that the designers were imposing a new metaphorical scheme and expecting us all to adapt to it, to suit their own needs. It's the pinnacle of arrogance.
Google imposes a version of "a new metaphorical scheme" on every website owner and expects them all to adapt to it - it's hardly surprising they also expect human brains to adapt to suit them...
I mean it's not like anyone ever met an arrogant Googler, right?
All the ambiguity of body language with none of the advantages of context. I'm not the first and surely not the last person to confuse crying-tears-of-mirth with crying-tears-of-sadness. And what am I to make of an aubergine or a bicycle?
