Week 5, Blog 3- “Phatic Communication”

Chapter 11 talks about mindless or “phatic communication” as “a form of small talk that helps us appear social and gives the impression that we are interested in others”. It goes on the suggest that this type of mindless communication exchange shows a disregard between each of the participants because the scripts are meaningless.
I disagree to an extent. Sometimes, people are not comfortable trying to relate to other on deeper levels, and this “mindless communication” serves as a valiant attempt to at least TRY to relate to others. While throwing in at least SOME personal exchange like “How was your weekend? I recall that you were going to a ball game”, would make the exchange more meaningful, it is still communication. Sometimes asking how someone is doing simply communicates that the first person cares enough to even ask. Not asking says a lot more.