In the early days of the Internet, typing in all caps was deemed to be rude and screaming during online conversations with others. However, is this really always or still the case? This question occurred to me after reading an exchange in an online support group and it may be time for a re-visit.
When I want to emphasise something, I often use an exclamation point, italics, bold or colored text. I really can't remember a time when I used ALL CAPS - until now. Other options are also available, such as using heavier fonts.
What I read in the online support group, after an accusation of screaming, is that this person uses all caps in her typing routinely - because it is easier for her to see and make out letters. She has a visual impairment! I guess she could increase the font, but that requires some extra clicking for each textbox. But, we are all different and capital letters may just be the easiest for her to read.
Research findings from 2007 do indicate "upper-case is more legible than the other case styles, especially for visually-impaired readers, because smaller letter sizes can be used than with the other case styles, with no diminution of legibility." They found that upper-case text is more legible in terms of reading speed, for readers with reduced acuity due to visual impairment, and in normally-sighted readers when text is visually small. The bottom line is upper-case text is simply more legible, albeit less aesthetically appealing, than lower-case.
But, do a Google search and you will find not everyone agrees, including the American Foundation for the Blind. So, this brings us back to the individual person and their specific vision impairment or sight weakness. Older adults are online in much greater numbers today; and we know vision impairment is common in older adults. So, what do you think? Is ALL CAPS easier for you to read?
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