Does it seem like more and more people are becoming socially awkward?

Interesting question... That may be so for people who have little in life anyway, either by choice or circumstances, and that's probably always been so.

Now though, I place most blame on addiction to "smart"-'phones and the Internet - yes including sites like this one. (At least I am typing this at home.)

However....

I don't move in any exalted circles at all, but have various interests and their clubs so I've not really noticed that growing awkwardness. Certainly not among these various circles.

I have seen far more hermit tendencies in outside life though - withdrawal from the world at large. Lok around on any bus or train: people burying themselves in their gadgets, terrified not to do that. This is encouraged by many businesses - cafes, railways, buses - providing wireless services*.

Are they like it in company? Quite likely.

Are they like it in a cafe - where many do not even know how to use a knife and fork? Probably.

Hence less and less social experience.

The wierdest I have encountered was in the club-house of an outdoor-pursuits club to which I belong. It was a Saturday evening, I was the only member present, the others were all guests, about a dozen members of some organised group (military cadets or something like that). Their leader was busy on a laptop - work or study. A couple shared another, watching a film I think. The rest were all on their 'phones. Apart from the odd giggle from the film watchers, there was not a word, even a glance, between any of them, let alone to me, and I felt unable to try talking to them. After finding things to read for about two hours before going to the pub for a chance of real interaction with real people, leaving this Silent Order of the Semiconductor to its hermetic existence.

It was strange, even eerie. I wondered what those people are like in ordinary situations elsewhere.

For the record, yes, I had my portable 'phone with me: switched off and in my clothes bag.

******

The most ironical example I know, is the preserved Swanage Railway. It has installed wi-fi on some of its carriages, so you can take a "heritage" train ride in a vintage behind a steam locomotive for a dozen miles without being distracted by that or the attractive scenery. For Goodness' sake! The one-way trip takes less than half an hour end to end!

yes...because of "social media" people need to get out more and socialize as humans and not post stuff behind a keyboard and monitor....it's kind of ironic when people here "need to take a break from here" ....not gonna get into it much but i think some, if not all of you knows what i'm talking about.... how about we switch off all social media accounts for a month, go to a bar, a church, a park or whatever and talk to strangers that way...i bet the conversations go differently than some of the ones here

I don't get that feeling based on the people I interact with, but with the loneliness epidemic, that probably is happening. Less time spent talking to people, being in social situations, how can it not lead to social awkwardness? We're probably also going to see a rise in people with social anxiety.

I used to be..painfully shy, poor conversationalist, sit back and listen type. Then I grew up, shyness disappeared, confidence rose and I realised I'm actually ok and can converse.

No idea. 😆 I don't interact with people that much irl anymore. But as for myself, I actually feel better about myself in this regard.

Yes.

I blame social media. We're used to dealing with each other through our little screens, and we don't know how to interact in person anymore. It's going to become a problem.

I have always been though.

I have noticed it more in others.

I`ve always been super shy, now many would consider that socially awkward.

We're loosing the ability to communicate in person because of the amount of tech we have access to.

YESSSSSSS, like ME!

Yes, it’s getting to where people don’t know how to socialize anymore.

It started when people isolated during the pandemic and it seems to have continued in the same direction ever since.

Obsession with telephones does not help.

I'd answer..but...😳

I always was.

Yeah because I think people aren’t use to be social anymore

Yes 100%.

Yup. It's been happening for a while now. 🤔

yes.

I am.

That's social media at work for you

i noticed this in 2000 as new college hires began their careers

Everyone one is in there on special way

oh good just like me then

Hm. Huh. Um. Huh what? Maybe. Stop asking questions. I'll say too much. Reveal my fetishes.

we spend most of our time online

actually talking to people is ...ick