comment: >
  
  Phatic communication isn't communicating any thing substantive. Often it isn't communicating anything at all, it is a check to see if the channel is open. Would you prefer "How's it hanging?" Chit chat, cliche level communication is the human equivalent of dogs sniffing each other's butts. You can disapprove but it is hard to stop.
context: Are you OK? >
  
  I'm fine ;)