It was actually an attempt to use indirect characterization - by using "lasers" instead of "phasers", it shows that the demographic I am describing only pays attention to the superficial aesthetic of Star Trek rather than its meaning or even common technical terms in the show.
But still, I derive quite a bit of humor from your comment.
I mean, the creator of Dilbert is basically option 2 incarnate in the most terrifying way possible, so it makes sense.
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/26/1159580425/newspapers-have-dropped-the-dilbert-comic-strip-after-a-racist-rant-by-its-creat