Does it seem like more and more people are becoming socially awkward?
26-30, F
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ArishMell · 70-79, M
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!
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!