There could be several reasons why people respond to messages they admit they didn't read:
Social Expectations: People may feel obligated to respond promptly to messages, even if they haven't read them, because of social norms and expectations. Responding quickly is often seen as polite and considerate.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Some individuals might fear missing out on important information or being left out of a conversation if they don't respond promptly, even if they haven't fully read the message.
Courtesy: People might respond to acknowledge receipt of the message and show courtesy to the sender. It's a way of saying, "I see your message, and I'll get back to you later."
Busy or Preoccupied: They could be busy or preoccupied with other tasks, but still want to acknowledge the message, intending to read it later when they have more time.
Social Pressure: In group chats or messaging threads, someone may feel compelled to respond, even if they haven't read the whole message, to avoid being perceived as ignoring others or being disengaged.
Avoidance: Sometimes, people might respond without fully reading the message to avoid a potential conflict or difficult conversation. They may want to buy time before crafting a thoughtful response.
Habit: Rapidly responding to messages, even if unread, can become a habit for some individuals who feel the need to stay constantly connected.
Miscommunication: Sometimes, people might think they read a message but realize later they only skimmed it or misunderstood its content.
It's essential to understand that while people may respond to unread messages for various reasons, it's generally more effective and respectful to read messages thoroughly before responding. Miscommunication and misunderstandings can arise when messages are not fully read and comprehended. If you find that someone consistently responds without reading your messages, consider communicating your preference for them to read the messages carefully before responding to ensure effective communication.