Social Question

Charles's avatar

Do you feel smartphones make it more difficult to "mix" or spontaneously interact with semi-strangers in semi-public places?

Asked by Charles (4826points) April 17th, 2012

For example, you are at your kid’s soccer practice and there are other parents there. Might it have been more likely that ten years ago, the parents (you and they) would be prompted to introduce each other and build a conversation? Or, similarly, on a commuter train or whatever? Or, doctor’s office, or at your community pool, etc?

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6 Answers

jca's avatar

I don’t think they make it more difficult to mix, but I do think they make it easier, by providing an “out,” not to mix.

Blackberry's avatar

People would still stand around awkwardly, I think.

JLeslie's avatar

I don’t know. Those who don’t like to socialize are pretty good at giving off that vibe, or hiding in a corner even without their phones.

Aethelflaed's avatar

Isn’t it wonderful? All I have to do is pull out my phone, and no one tries to make really awkward, boring, unconnected conversation with me for 3.7 minutes!

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