LOL

The term, "lol" or "laugh-out-loud" is used so often in texting, e-mail, instant messaging and other forms of electronic communication only occasionally do people let it slip in every day conversations. Yet when people say "lol," what does it really mean? Does it mean they are literally laughing-out-loud or does it stand in the place of something else. Often times people say it without even cracking a smile. The person who receives the electronic communication most likely can't see the senders face when they write it. I've found that "lol" can sometimes replace a more appropriate "hahaha." Because I am not laughing in a given instance, does that qualify as what Austin would refer to as a "hollow" action? I am performing no action (perhaps a smile) when i write the term. What if the words themselves don't matter and instead of the literal meaning the term "lol" has come to mean something more than literally "laughing-out-loud" but instead having some amused reaction to something? By saying "lol" I am implying that I am performing an action, yet no action is actually taken place. 

With the new ways that technology influence everyday life, it would be interesting to discuss the way instant communication can change meanings and insinuate action when none is taking place. The new age of technology might help illustrate the way words can have "hollow" or "void" action because it can be easier to stretch what action is being performed at any given time.