Oft used as a do-not-bother-replying greeting, "how are you" represents the impersonalization of modern society
stretched to an extent never witnessed before. It is however still okay to use it as long as you
genuinely care.
EXAMPLE 1
Person A: Hi,
how are you?
Person B:
How are you?
(Conversation over)
EXAMPLE 2
Person A: Hi, how are you?
Person B: Like you care.