Messages are better with the Caps Lock off

Is it just me, or is all-caps writing hard to read?

Hey you. Yes you, with your finger hovering over that worn-out Caps Lock key on your keyboard. Please, don’t do it. Give that Caps Lock key a rest! It never fails to amaze me how often people rely on their trusty Caps Lock. Social media is especially rampant with posts and messages typed 100 percent in all capital letters. I sometimes get emails or letters in all caps, too. Sometimes, the people are legitimately angry or very passionate about the subject, but oftentimes, that’s not the case at all.

Some people just seem to really like to write in all caps.

Now, all-caps writing can serve a purpose and get a point across: • “I AM VERY ANGRY!” — clearly, the writer is upset.

• “I LOVE cats AND chocolate!” — the writer feels passionately about the subjects at hand.

• “I THINK TURTLES ARE GREAT EXCEPT FOR SNAPPING TURTLES. WHEN THEY BITE, IT REALLY HURTS.” Whoa. Why is that in all caps?

Some people might find capital letters easier to read. I’m not one of them. For me, the words blur together.

I did some research online, and had a hard time finding credited research on this. I found a few blogs and news reports that cited “researchers,” and according to those reports, people are more likely to read all-caps text just one letter at a time, which takes longer and is less efficient. And there is less contrast between the shapes of the letters, which increases the processing time to read it.

I couldn’t find the actual sources for that research, so put as much weight into as you want. But I thought the points were interesting.

However, when it comes to reading and writing, there is something to be said for personal preference, and remembering your audience.

Personally, I’d much rather prefer to see all caps when someone really wants to make a point, or to emphasize a specific word or phrase. However, whole posts or emails in all caps are not my jam.

What do you think, readers? Are you a fan of the all-caps approach, or no? Let me know. Share your thoughts online at www.YumaSun.com or send in a Letter to the Editor at letters@yumasun.com!