What’s the deal with people who type everything in lowercase? You’ve seen it, right?
Everything typed seems to blend together: it could be a text, a social media post, or even a comment. Regardless, it’s all in lowercase.
“If you see ‘LOL,’ you’re likely dealing with a Boomer or Gen X person.”
This style is often associated with Zoomers, although some older folks who want to appear youthful jump on the bandwagon too.
I’m not a Zoomer myself, but I find them fascinating. I’ve written about them previously and plan to keep exploring their behaviors. Like it or not, they’re a glimpse into the future.
So, why do Zoomers prefer lowercase?
no cap
I reached out to my go-to Zoomer expert, Caleb Wallace Holm. He explained, “Zoomers have been doing this since we got cell phones. It shows a laid-back attitude and sets us apart from older generations.”
This perspective makes sense. Many young people aim to convey indifference—formality feels outdated and stifling in their eyes. Being overly concerned is tied to adulthood, something they seem to resist.
Younger generations seek unique expressions of their identity, trying to distance themselves from the norms of their elders. So, the choice to type in lowercase isn’t really a new concept for them.
nasolabial folds
What’s distinctive, however, is the ability to express this little rebellion through digital channels. Previous generations didn’t have this aspect of life as a constant, unlike Zoomers.
In many ways, this digital landscape is a defining feature for them. I’ve previously noted that Zoomers are the first generation to grow up largely online, which significantly shapes their worldview.
Holm mentioned he could often guess someone’s age by their online laughter. “When you see ‘LOL,’ it signals Boomer or Gen X. If you see ‘LOL,’ it’s Millennials. And when you see just ‘LOL,’ you know it’s your generation.”
It clicked for me after he pointed it out. Of course, young people who’ve grown up on the Internet would pick up on such nuances.
life lost
While their lowercase typing is a way to stand out from older generations, it feels somewhat unsettling. You might think of a Zoomer as nonchalant, but terms like serious or driven probably wouldn’t come to mind.
They’re drinking less alcohol but are more likely to use marijuana. Mental health struggles are prevalent, with high usage of SSRIs, and a pervasive sense of cynicism is common among peers. Zoomers are among the most medicated generations we’ve seen, often resistant to traditional motivators. It’s not exactly an ideal scenario.
Being laid-back is one thing; but not caring at all is another. I can’t help but wonder if their lowercase typing signals a deeper issue rather than just a carefree attitude. If Zoomers were, say, more well-adjusted and enthusiastic, I might see their typing as more harmless. But since that doesn’t seem to be the case, I find myself questioning what their choice really represents.
Related: 6-7 is 86! JD Vance jokes about banning memes – and one company actually does it
Photo credit: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
mold casting
However, not every Zoomer embodies lethargy or dependence on SSRIs, nor do they all type in lowercase. Holm, my resource, uses capitalization like I do, yet he can communicate effortlessly with his peers. He’s vibrant and full of energy. It’s almost a running joke between us that he might be the most energetic Zoomer around. Still, he’s not the only one. There are others like him who choose to write normally.
Strangely enough, proper capitalization might be linked to vitality or emotional responsiveness. Conversely, lowercase typing could tie into a sense of irony.
It makes me think—could this casual approach in writing lead to a sense of resignation or other hidden issues? Maybe the way we communicate has more significance than we realize. Different forms of expression, like using exclamation points or capital letters, might truly reflect a healthier mindset toward life.
There seems to be more to this lowercase typing than first meets the eye.
After all, the medium is indeed part of the message.
