Why do we make small talk?

Question

Don't you wish instead of boring mindless crap you could just say: "I DON'T CARE! DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING INTERESTING TO SAY? NO? THEN DON'T TALK TO ME ANYMORE!"

Answer 1

Because we are uncomfortable with awkward silence, so we talk to hopefully re-spark the conversation.

Answer 2

Sometimes small talk is a way of catching up with the news in other peoples' lives. Yes it can be boring if you have to listen to long stories about what Johnny did the other day etc.
But it is also a way to fill a void. Many people are uncomfortable with silence, especially when with a group of people. Small talk helps to ease that anxiety without the burden of "heavy" discussions of politics and religion etc.
If you don't like small talk, I suggest sitting in an out of the way corner where no one will bother you, or not attending the event in question.