AdeleneDawner comments on Least Signaling Activities? - Less Wrong

27 Post author: RobinHanson 22 May 2009 02:46AM

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Comment author: AdeleneDawner 22 May 2009 12:40:25PM 2 points [-]

Picking one's nose in public signals "I have poor hygiene" (even though, according to what I've read, ingesting the results of that activity helps one's immune system... go figure) and "I don't care about societal norms" or "I don't care whether you're offended by me", depending on context. It can also signal poor social awareness, in some contexts.

Doing body maintenance in public in general is considered impolite, really... something about reminding others that we're squishy critters doesn't fly very well in this society. We're supposed to signal self-control and perfection, instead. :P