Why NT acquaintances like to do small talk

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It gives them something to do while they make eye contact and
get seen by each other. The talk isn't the important part, which
is why accurate answers aren't necessary

Wow, 47 years of work went into that one.......

This psych dude I know said it was a form of mutual acknowledgment, to show they're friendly/harmless.

I'm not sure what the difference is between small talk and big talk. I just know about talk. How big does talk have to be before it is no longer small? Talking is just a way to keep people busy, because we aren't sedentary creatures. People that sit around are depressed for a reason.

Interesting idea.

From my fiancee: "Small talk is like background noise. Interaction is the main focus. Small talk specifically is talking about general things that are shallow, such as the weather, bands, etc. It's meant to form loose social associations and social bonds." Also, "Seen as pleasant and polite, to show people you're not hostile and just sociable." (paraphrased.) He also said Chickenbird is mostly correct. Congrats! I guess while being seen, light social bonds are being formed. Small talk is like a catalyst, I suppose.

They want connect with us and keep it fresh.

Compare monkeys grooming. I don't do grooming either - I have known people who do.

I think it'd be nice. But sometimes things that look good, aren't. I know I love having my hair brushed - of course there's
no eye contact there.....

Isn't that runaway paranoia, really? I.e., assuming that everyone around them is hostile until they prove otherwise?

I just assume that everyone is harmless and going about their own business until they directly do something to make me think that they're not.

I found small talk boring. It's the same for you (Auties/Aspies)?

It seems like the content of the talk is important. I could sit there, nod and say "I know what you mean," to all small talk muttered in my direction if that were all that is required. People want more than that. Where I live, they require banter and if banter isn't there they feel ill at ease and don't want to hold a conversation. They will nod politely and then move away and talk to someone else. The more banter in the dialogue, the more time they spend talking with someone.
I can manage bantering online or over the phone. In person, I prefer to nod and say, "I know what you mean," to everything they say.