Everyone does it. It's called society. To not do it is downright odd as illustrated by Curious Hair in a post above. What's really strange is those who question the sincerity with which "How ya doin'?" is asked. Of course, it's not sincere. Almost nobody really gives a shit how you are. It's just the oil with which we lubricate communication. I wouldn't mind if dan bernstein had a terminal condition, but if I were meeting him I would still say something like, "Hi, how are you?" And it doesn't demand a real answer either. Once in awhile you'll meet someone- usually an old guy- who actually replies with his maladies. There is only one appropriate answer to "How are you?" and that is "Fine, and how about you?"