Research once suggested small talk makes us unhappy — here's why that's not true. A study in 2010 found that small talk was associated with lower life satisfaction. But a follow up study has found this actually isn't the case. Small talk isn't as important as deep, meaningful conversations — but it isn't bad either.

Is small talk important?

Purpose. In spite of seeming to have little useful purpose, small talk is a bonding ritual and a strategy for managing interpersonal distance. It serves many functions in helping to define the relationships between friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances.

Is small talk rude?

Small talk is has always been part of modern existence. Part of it is trying to be polite, part of it is not knowing what to say, and part of it is literally to fill otherwise awkward silences. It's also an inoffensive way to not seem ill-mannered when in the presence of somebody you don't know well.