Since when is it normal to interrupt a conversation by pulling out your phone? Well, nobody knows, but at some point, the interruption of technology in our daily lives has become a constant. Yes, we’ve evolved in the tech realm, but our etiquette hasn’t quite kept up. From watching TikTok in the middle of a movie theater to talking over performances in concerts, it’s easy to forget the social cues that we once relied on. Even in a fast-paced, online world, etiquette remains essential: not as a set of outdated rules, but as a basis for mutual respect.
Studies show that excessive screen time is linked to cognitive decline, including difficulty concentrating and a decreased attention span. In fact, University of the People found that 89% of people took out their phone during their last conversation, and 82% said it damaged the quality of their conversation. We may be physically present, but we are distracted.
With this growing dependency on technology has come a decline in empathy and basic communication skills. MIT sociologist Sherry Turkle explained that text messages often lack the depth of empathy that face-to-face conversations inherently offer. This shift has led to personal boundaries and digital spaces being prioritized over human connection. Recent research by Pew Research has further found that the nature of online spaces encourages people to disregard basic politeness.
What emerges from this trend is a troubling overarching pattern: while we have become more independent, we have also become inconsiderate. It isn’t just the lack of social cues online or the safety that usernames and pseudonyms provide us, but a broader shift away from togetherness and community. We’ve instilled within ourselves the false choice of prioritizing our own space and comfort with respect towards others.
To be clear, knowing your limits and conserving your time and energy for things that matter is essential. However, there’s a fine line between “protecting your peace” and being selfish. When we become unaware of those around us, healthy boundaries can easily slip into self-centeredness, creating a more disconnected culture than ever.
So, what’s to be done? First, we must find the line between the progress made in culture and the drawbacks of technology. Take the opportunity to do something nice for others. Smile at that stranger in the library. Be considerate in your emails by using polite, formal language.
Beyond basic manners, find the balance between self-respect and respecting others. Be sympathetic to others. Communicate your situation and emotions with others, and distinguish between removing yourself from unhealthy circumstances and self-centered detachment from close ones. Most importantly, be present in public spaces, intimate gatherings and in all the in-between moments. When you lift your head from your screen and look around, you may have that moment to make your day. Any cultural shift requires initial individual action. So why not start today?
