I just saw a picture of a cat stuck in a box. Hahahaha!
A lot of people these days seem to think that instead of the impersonal LOL or ROFL used long ago in the early 21st century, typing out laughter is a better way to convey emotion. Every time I see it, however, I can't help but think that the person who typed out that message had on the same blank stare that I get watching Jeopardy. Unaware yet still willing to make it look like they were paying attention. It reminds me of Khyan's sketch about the internet. It is a rare case in which text gets across more emotion than facial expression. So, what do we think of this? When you see a hahaha somewhere, do you imagine that person actually laughed, or do you accept the fact that it's just an illusion to make you believe they laughed?
The Sketch:
It's so interesting what changes texting and IM'ing has introduced to our language. I have many friends who include an "lol" in every text and every message, as a kind of signifier of approval, in place of a period. So much so in fact, that if I get a text from certain friends without an "lol," I perceive it as being serious, or even significant. It's like people are subconsciously compensating for the fact that text cannot communicate tone, but still want to communicate their approval or happiness. If "lol" has been reduced to mild approval, it makes sense that there has to be a stronger indicator for real cheer. I have one friend who always uses the expression "ha" which I never liked at all. No matter how often she includes "ha" in a text, I cannot help but think of Nelson from the Simpsons, which I'm sure is not what she is going for. "Hahaha" sounds sarcastic to me, but I've learned that I don't get this stuff anymore, and just to learn and go along with whatever the young people are doing.