is desocialization in humans causing a regression in social etiqette?

Question

people are spending more time seperated away from each other, when walking around campus they listen to mp3 players, they bank at home online, and some people even hire professional shoppers. With less and less interaction with people other than immediate family, coworkers, and friends soon people will eith all go crazy or lack the courage to ask for help during an emergency.

Answer 1

No!!!
Your question is very interesting.
Honestly though its the other way around, regression in social etiquette is causing the desocialization.

It is almost like you have to have a form of regressed social etiquette in order to communicate favorably in social settings these days. I have always wondered what really caused this. An excellent example is the way many people these days, use cracks or cut downs as bonding material, and similarly with "your momma" jokes. I personally have done study on the development of narcisim in today's society. Narcisim is a neccessary character trait as aself defense mechanism for individuals. What might have happened is that it has become acceptable in todays society to have an over developed sense of self; too much narcisim. the idea that "I am a unique snowflake and I deserve special treatment, it's my right" People have forgoten rights are earned, respect is earned, they want it up front with out working for it, how did we get so spoiled?

Some one brought up a good point about social darwinism. I guess they are speaking of survival of the fittest. One way to look at it that makes sense, the meaner tougher a person is the more chance they have to survive. However, especially when speaking of humans, and of ettiquete it is quite the opposite; all of this special consideration for people who are different, people who don't quite fit in, is allowing these social outliers to prevail. All this uncanny respect for the individual, and this association of special rights with those who are different is what has been a major contributor to this regression.

So in a sense it is the opposite of survival of the fittest more like survival of the weakest, the most non-conformist.

Very interesting, much of what is considered negative, but some positives too.
Excellent question!

Answer 2

I think that in this age of information and technology, people don't need each other as much as they used to. 100 years ago, there was no internet or television (I don't know if they had phones, but I'm that if they did you were lucky to have one). If you wanted to meet people, you had to do it face to face, the old fashioned way. Nowadays people can communicated without being in each other's prescence, so there is less of a need for social etiquette. Etiquette is fading away, and I for one am happy to see it go. I think most social etiquette is unnecesary, repressive, dishonest and archaic. Todays means of communication facilitates a more honest exchange people have less social consequences to fear. And, by the way, I think that people that won't seek help in a dire situation are not desocialized, just stupid.

Answer 3

This is so off your topic question. Regression in social etiquette happens when parents refuse to teach the right way to socialize to children, teens and young adults, its not about technology, but technology is the thing now, so live and let others do the same. Or does this affect your social circle?

Answer 4

etiquette is subjective to culture. our culture is undergoing a change in it's values and social interactions. eventually it'll develope a new code of etiquette that helps people function. Ultimately, if the current way of life is not functional, it wont last. Social darwinism and all that....

Answer 5

I think that services like online banking and shopping are more a case of wanting convenience rather than avoiding social contact.

Answer 6

I don't know about a regression in social etiquette but it certainly is increasing social isolation and agoraphobia.

Answer 7

Good question. It deserves a star and maybe a few more stars to boot. On the one hand, people are able to entertain themselves. On the other hand, people forget how to interact face to face. Well, we will become what we become...