0. conversation is pure text. there is no observed subtext. 1. aesthetic subtext or (vibe) can be observed. people understand that people might be joking or being silly or being earnest, but there's no deeper thought about what that aesthetic color might mean 2. intentional subtext can be observed. people have an understanding that the things that people are trying to say are motivated by internal intentions and that there's some way that the things they say achieve those intentions. people understand that if they're not picking up on the intention of what someone else is saying, it's difficult to have any mutual benefit of conversation 3. systemic subtext can be observed. specifically, this is about social systems. people understand the social systems that cause our words to have the effects that they do. they can understand social mechanisms like, if i say this depressing thing, people will naturally be inclined to try and make me feel better so i can use this feeling to get people to help me with something i want help with. 4. multiple subtexts can be observed and internalized at the same time. people at this stage can be aware of the various subtexts that different people are getting from different signals. people can consider multiple contradictory perspectives at the same time and they can find solutions that advocate for multiple people's intentions within their respective subtext. it's important to note that these levels of conversation exist whether or not people are aware of them. not being aware of the social mechanisms by which you feel things doesn't mean they don't exist. not knowing what you want when you say something doesn't mean you don't want anything. not intending to insert a vibe into a conversation doesn't mean that that vibe hasn't been created.