What is Small talk

This study investigates what interlocutors do when they exchange messages on the social network site (SNS) Orkut® and how they do it. In so doing, the study examines the interplay of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) acts, interaction processes, and frequency of message exchange in text-based dyadic interactions of diasporic Bengalis on Orkut®. A total of 48 dyadic interactions were analyzed. The subjects were observed to have produced mostly bona-fide positive socioemotional content, primarily through ‘greet’ and ‘claim’. It was also noticed that dyads who exchange utterances more than global average, produce more task-oriented content than those who exchange utterances less than global average. Task communication is achieved primarily through ‘inquire’ and ‘inform’. ‘Bona-fide positive socioemotional’ content is argued to be providing users’ socio-emotional needs, while ‘task’ communication helps them accumulate social capital. The findings contribute to CMC, pragmatics, and social psychology. It further helps common people understand the benefits of interaction on SNSs.