Quoted By:
Perhaps the main reason people on anonymous image boards engage in brain-rotting conversations (such as these threads) is because their autism or other mental defects prevent them from having fulfilling conversations through other means. In addition to their inability to have conversations, it also comes naturally that they lack the ability to have any meaningful relationships in their lives. This leads to a severe deficit in a sense of love and belonging. Thus, in an attempt to fill this void—the longing for meaningful interaction—they resort to a form of primitive communication in which no substantial thoughts or information is exchanged. In this simplicity, the participants ensure that any kindred soul is able to join, with the only requirement being that they be kind. This also guarantees that the conversation can continue indefinitely as it does not revolve around a specific topic or goal other than a simple back-and-forth meant to keep each other company. And finally, the simplicity allows them to easily distinguish between who is a friend and who is an enemy—in other words, they can't be fooled like they would outside in the real world.
The conversations that take place are surface level, bordering on being small talk but contains a degree of personal honesty that would make these conversations impossible to have with strangers in person. What we have here is essentially a support system created by outcasts, for outcasts. True, that these threads do not contribute anything to /bant/'s already poor state, or does it help the outcasts overcome their situation. But should we mock people for trying to find comfort? I don't think so; it's simply very unproductive. As pathetic as they may seem, only an unsound mind could mock them.
