Ali, in brief: yes. But it is exaggerated. 1) - Some people would ask "как дела?" just because they are used to ask it. - Some other people would say in only when they sincerely wish to know either a) how are you or b) what is going on in your life or c) current state of some particular affair of yours. - Some other people don't use this expression. Among my friends the majoroty falls into the second category. That is "really mean it whenever they ask it". But what is true for the whole Russian language: "как дела?" is Never used instead/as a greeting. Masha: - Привет! Petya: - Привет, Маша! Masha: - Как твои дела? Petya: - Х***во:( Masha: - Что случилось!? You see, the questions go after the exchange of hi's. The idea to strt a conversation with a question is unnatural. And the following conversation: A: "How are you?" B: "How are you?" Is cited here as an anecdote about Americans and their ways. 2) People are different with respect to sincerety of their answers. I tell the truth. When I feel, it isn't the right moment for a person to listen to my answer - there are still ways to manage it. Many of people i know behave the same way as I do. But not everybody, of course:) What is for certain: Russia is different in this respect.

В нашей культуре есть 3 варианта 1 у мало знакомых людей, соседей спрашивают как дела из вежливости. Не ждут подробного ответа. 2 у близких друзей или родственников спрашивают как дела, когда хотят узнать новости и посоедние события в их жизни 3 У партнеров по бизнесу или работе спрашивпют как дела, когда хотят узнать об успехах и достижениях в работе

vaghti russiha miporsan "chetori?" maamulan rast javab midim) - chi shod, chi bud). Banabar in maamulan javab nemidim "khubam" , chunke dar zendegi hame chiz khub nemishe)