2007-02-03 07:57:03 · 6 answers · asked by Detroit Rob 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
LOL - good question - LOL
I think its because in a text format, intent and sarcasm can be easily lost. When you use LOL, its to point out that you are laughing... as if to say "I think this is funny." or "I'm joking so don't take me seriously." or "hint, hint... that was sarcasm."
Seriously, how often do statements with innocent intent get misinterpreted in a negative way?
There are no facial cues and other non-verbal parts of the communication so LOL, :) and other such things take the place of said facial cues and non-verbals.
You may not think its required given a specific example, but then again, you're never going to get everyone to agree on whether its necessary in said specific situation either.
2007-02-03 08:05:45 · answer #1 · answered by Justin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I can't argue that it is both misused and over used but the problem is this:
Written communication transmits emotions with difficulty. If you are sitting talking with a person face to face, you can get non-verbal clues as to what they are thinking that are not in the words alone,
LOL
Of course when come jerk insults the heck out of you and ends with LOL LOL LOL!!! it only serves to make you wish you could reach through the monitor and strangle the worthless cuss, but that is another issue.
The misuse occurs when the writer uses 'LOL' instead of actually bothering to write the message.
I went to the mall today - LOL
Um, yeah, ha-ha. Did something funny happen? Mind giving us a clue? Or do you just walk into a mall and start laughing?
Or better yet:
Person 1> I went to the mall today
Person 2> LOL
Ah well, not much you can do about it.
-Dio
2007-02-03 08:18:34 · answer #2 · answered by diogenese19348 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meaning Laugh out loud. I think if it's at the end of a statement you think does not require it, it may be intended to lighten the statement. Letting the reader know it is supposed to be funny or light hearted. In face to face conversation, some people laugh while talking because of nervousness. This has now, possibly, transitioned over to emailing and IM'ing. Just their way of ending a conversation they're not sure how to end.
2007-02-03 08:18:18 · answer #3 · answered by Kel B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it's totally uneccesary in some cases, but that just means it's a bit funny. This one needs it:
I was walking at the mall and I tripped! LOL!!! But, the funny thing is that I was laughing, and I was like, not embarrased!!!!
LOL
LOL
:D
You see now? (Trying to make an innocent gesture)
2007-02-03 08:02:41 · answer #4 · answered by Carrot Cake 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL means laugh out loud. Maybe they find themselves humorous that's why.
2007-02-03 08:01:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometimes people dont know what to say and they dont want to sound rude by not saying anything so they say "lol"
2007-02-03 08:08:34 · answer #6 · answered by committed 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋