Why are people in general so aloof? Apathetic?

Question

I recall while I was in college, my professor was from outside the US and noted on how in America, how unconnected we are with each other. We stare straight ahead, afraid to even say hello to one another.

There was a time in America where people knew each other in the community. People knew and were friends with their neighbors. Why do you think in 2007 people have grown more distant from one another?

Answer 1

I'm not sure I agree. What part of the U.S. do you live in? I live in the south and what you said couldn't be any further from the truth.

Where I live your neighbours help you out when you are need. You go to the grocery store and the door is held open for you. You smile and say hi to people you pass on the street. Where I live, people in general are very welcoming and friendly. Now, when I went to France it was a whole other story...I've never met such cold people! Italy, however, was just as warm and friendly if not more so.

Answer 2

Well, that is indeed a good question. One quite difficult to answer.
It is my belief (opinion here not fact) that people have been separated from one another due to such things as computers (we're here rather than talking to real people), television (everyone seems to want to watch "reality" tv), MP3 players (we listen to vulgar music rather then hold a discussion with someone in front of us).
Also, folks are afraid to offend people. They are afraid that they'll get hurt or back-stabbed in some way. Why bother?
All we can do is set the example and be friendly with others. Say hello and ask how someone is doing. Who knows, we may make a life long friend!
Later days and thanks for the question.

Answer 3

It's the nature of society. Most of us drive to work instead of taking the bus. We live in gated communities, and pull our cars right into the garage. Almost everyone works, whereas Mom's used to stay home with the kids and meet the neighborhood moms. I've lived in the same apt for 15 yrs and my neighbor across the hall has lived there 8 yrs or so. I saw her in Marshall's one weekend and she greeted me with a big hello. I said hello back, but had no idea who she was until I saw her climbing into her car. I recognized her car, but not her! Sad, but life is busier and more impersonal than it used to be.

Answer 4

I think it's b/c most of are busying trying to make money instead of making causal friendships, We work-a-holics compared to the rest of the work

Answer 5

because we are driven by marketing to believe the accumulation of unneccessary crap will make us feel better about ourselves
we have lost our humanity and become self centred insular drones
if we reaquired our instinct to give and support others we would all be better off

Answer 6

I personally believe people are more shy today and insecure with themselves, that's why they won't be open and jovial with people they don't know.