[pochamago]

It's not that it's nefarious, but because human language often relies so much on the tone of voice used, we've begun creating informal norms for how to get that across in text form. A period at the end of a short phrase gives it a flat intonation in many circles. Communication isn't as simple as proscribing by fiat how people ought to use a given medium, and pragmatism requires that we adapt to what the group does for clear communication.