In Margaret Atwood's "The Heart Goes Last," the protagonist's interaction is characterized by a facade of friendliness that lacks genuine emotion. The phrase "She gives him an LED smile: light, but no heat" highlights this contrast between superficial politeness and true warmth or connection. This represents a common theme in contemporary relationships, where appearances can be deceiving.

The metaphor of an LED smile suggests a modern, artificial form of communication, where the vibrancy of the smile lacks the emotional depth typically associated with human interactions. This reflects a broader commentary on society’s increasing tendency to prioritize surface-level engagements over meaningful, heartfelt connections, raising questions about authenticity in relationships.