Oh god, this debate is getting old :-)<p>There are two ways to "misuse" "literally":
- You believe it means "figuratively" or "metaphorically". Like: "The hyperloop is a revolutionary technology, it is literally an iPhone". Using it in this way is plain wrong, no matter if you are descriptionist or perscriptionist. "It doesn't mean what you think it means."
- You use it as hyperbole. "I had such a hangover, my head literally exploded". Well, it certainly didn't explode for real, it's clear you're exaggerating. Everyone knows it's a metaphor, you just want to reinforce it. a la "Really guys, it was almost as bad as if it really did explode". This is not wrong, but people often don't get it (when they're smart enough to know the difference, but don't pick up the hyperbole)
(- Or you could use it ironically and mix it up on purpose. However, people probably won't get that either.)