When I ask a friend about he future, or what gadgets he likes, I don’t expect the answer to be data. The conversation is connection between us.

Twitter taught me that most human conversation is nonsense. Seeing what someone has for breakfast and what trivial events people share allow me to accelerate relationships.

We Need the Nonsense

When I started looking at conversations everywhere, I realized that 90% of what we talk about is nonsense.

• How’s the weather there?
• Did you have trouble finding the place?
• What are you ordering?
• Where are you traveling from?
• I want to meet Biz Stone someday
• I don’t have any new gadgets.

This nonsense, nonverbal cues, and context all us to get meaning from the nonsense. The best example in real life is dining conversations.

We enjoy conversations at or table but laugh at the nonsense people are talking about at the next table over.

Human Connection vs Machines Interfaces

When I do a search online, I expect data. If there is a crowd sourcing engine in the background, or monkeys on typewriters, makes no difference to me. I just want accurate information.

The idea that I could meet someone or get human connection through serendipity while using a search engine is cool. Search Chat Roulette. There would have to be more that search results or data from the answer to allow connection.

All human activity seeks connections and shared experiences. That’s what makes social works. Hiding the humans behind an AI-ish experience feels like it’s cutting out the best part.