Why can't you just read and run?

[Chocfingers]

If you've nothing useful to add to a thread, why not just move on instead of writing "couldn't just read and run"?

I don't think I've ever done that but I generally only see it on threads where the op seems really upset or anxious and I suppose that reply is a way of showing people are there and listening. Don't personally see anything wrong with an acknowledgement and a letting them know someone is there.

Fair question !

I have used that phrase myself but I have posted along the lines here of
‘Sorry to hear that . No useful advice but I hope others come along’

I just feel a bit inhumane to read a sad or tragic sale and not acknowledge it in some way even to send a virtual ‘sorry for your loss’

Same applies to you really
Why can't you just read and not start a thread of snark

I think it's just a way of bumping the thread and showing the OP that they are not being ignored. Almost like a passing hug or a sympathetic shoulder grasp.

It actually seens worse to me than saying nothing

Because if something sad is/has happened to someone and they're here posting for advice but it's a niche question, people don't want to just ignore them.

Or people are placemarking and trying to look like caring as they rubberneck at the low point of someone's life.

If I read a really long post where the OP is clearly upset but I have no advice or help to give, I'll often leave a message of support to let them know they are not alone and will get through it. Don't use that particular phrase though.

It bumps a thread so it stays in Active Threads.

I do it to bump & to acknowledge their post. Sometimes people seem very alone & I hope that my stopping, if only to say that I hope someone more helpful will come along, makes that person feel listened to & cared for.

I thought people did it to bump threads. To perhaps show they care but can't offer advice at all or at that moment but will come back. Can't see anything wrong with it

I often suspect a degree of virtue signalling, but then I'm cynical like that...

I’ve done it rarely, although not ‘read and run’ but more ‘nothing to add but sorry....’. Its always been threads where the OP is acutely distressed about something and I view it as a way of letting the poster know that they aren’t talking to a void and that someone has heard them.

Sorry, can’t help OP, don’t want to read and run but someone more expert will be along soon . Unmumsnetty Christmas hugs to you

It's being nice.

I've only ever seen it very early on in a thread where usually something a bit rotten has happened to the OP.

I think it’s being nice too. I’ve never done it but like others I’ve seen it and thought it was kind that people read a sad/difficult/complex/niche post and couldn’t help but wanted to acknowledge the poster was being heard.

To show ther is someone there listening and who cares

And to bump the thread to keep it in active so other posters can see it and respond

It's to bump, reassure and sometimes placemark.

Surely the OP can bump their own thread.

Who does it bother you so much?

Bump your own thread?!?!

I really dislike that. Perhaps irrational. But the first thing I do is check the time difference between post and bump. Then judge. Hard.

Because the thread is written by a real person asking for help / advice and not just there for your amusement?
To acknowledge their situation and perhaps express sympathy even if you have no advice to offer?
Perhaps even to be () nice?!

Because it's a nice thing to do.

If you start a thread it's horrible if no one is interested in posting on it.

No need to virtue signal on an anonymous forum on which you can change name very easily.

I think it's nice. It's an acknowledgment that you read the post and wished them well. I think people in distress will be comforted by that. To some extent