Fake courtesy machine automates the modern art of insincere politeness
A new machine has been introduced that automates insincere politeness in social interactions. This device reflects the repetitive nature of modern courtesy, often driven by obligation rather than genuine sentiment. It serves as a commentary on the performative aspects of communication in contemporary society.
- ▪The machine embodies the concept of insincere politeness in social interactions.
- ▪It highlights the repetitive and performative nature of modern courtesy.
- ▪The device has been described as a physical manifestation of obligatory communication.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Fake courtesy machine automates the modern art of insincere politeness Jason Weisberger 10:19 am Tue May 19, 2026 There's something weirdly comforting about a machine that openly admits what most modern social interaction quietly is: repetitive, performative courtesy generated by rote mechanism and low-grade obligation. It's less a machine than a physical manifestation of "per my previous email." Previously:• Unique contraption spotted on the side of the road• Listen to this cacophonous musical contraption• Watch this Rube Goldberg-eque dish-cleaning contraption (video) COMMENT ON SUBSTACK polite This photo editor is for anyone intimidated by Photoshop's… everything TL;DR: The award-winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle is on sale for $64.97 (reg. $682) through May 31 at 11:59 p.m.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Boing Boing.