kicking puppies is bad

I realize that I am one of the few people using capitalization and punctuation fairly regularly in computer mediated communication. I also realize that the use of emoticons and internet slang has become fairly common. I can’t really criticize everyone using them. I’ve even been known to use “WTF” in a few of my emails. But I don’t understand why people use this slang in (what seems to me) completely inappropriate places.

Specifically, I am confused by the use of the term “LOL”. I mean, I sort of get it. Its difficult to communicate emotion in online communication. Using phrases like LOL and emoticons can help to clarify your intended tone. LOL specifically (according to wiki) generally means “laughing out loud”, but can also mean “lots of love”. Either way, it doesn’t seem to work in most situations that people use it. I imagine the people who write to me actually “laughing out loud” as they compose their messages. It makes them seem ridiculous. If I assume that they didn’t mean “laughing out loud” and, I insert the phrase “lots of love”, they seem both ridiculous *and* creepy.

My name is Robert. LOL!

Nice pic, is it recent? LOL

I scored 75% on your matchme – lol

I would like to get coffee sometime, LOL

Am I missing something? Are these statements amusing (at all)? If they are amusing, are the amusing enough to justify “lauging out loud”? Perhaps, they are amusing in an ironic sense (and I am missing it)… Alternately, are these people (who I have never met) sending me “lots of love” (randomly, and in the middle of their email messages). I somehow just don’t seem to get it.

Personally, I feel like if you are going to throw random “internet slang” into your email, “WTF” is generally more appropriate than “LOL”. You’ll appear less ridiculous in my mind if I am picturing you slightly pissed off and confused (WTF) than if I am picturing you actually laughing at your own completely un-funny statement (LOL).