lol

Some people write “lol” after every text. Why’s that?

I think it’s a manifestation of open loop communication. Other examples are “rapport seeking tonality” like upticks at the end of every freaking sentence, or the “we have fun here” of corporate speak.

Communication works best when it includes feedback, but that is harder, and you don’t necessarily have to go to the trouble. If you can just spam one template into every conversation, without having to think about it or pay attention to the other person, that’s easier.

I think this gets really uncanny valley, like you start to get suspicious you’re talking to a robot, when the person stops trying to maximize positive responses and starts trying to minimize negative responses. Most people are going to make polite excuses and disengage rather than create a confrontation and risk prolonging an uncomfortable interaction.