So what is happening if I don’t see an image?

Something is wrong. You should be using a comically smaller amount compared to smoking.

I’m not neurodivergent, but I loathe small talk just the same. Giving an “eh” type answer is indeed best as it tends to end the conversation. Concocting a lie or even giving a more involved honest answer only encourages the conversation to continue. For me the goal is to make it stop.