Increased Written Communication, Less Face to Face Interaction

I read an interesting article from WSJ talking about how Generation Y is deprived of opportunities to understand non-verbal body cues because this generation is too busy texting, im'ing, etc. In other words, too much short written communication has replaced full face to face personal interaction. The comments section indicates a healthy disagreement (appears to be mostly divided between Gen Y and other generations).

Instead of debating about whether the use of technology is good or bad, my sense is what is lacking today is educating folks about good manners, decorum, and proper conduct. It wasn't so long ago that people knew when one person is talking, it is considered rude to interrupt. If you must, people apologized in advance and interrupted for good reason. How many times have you encountered someone who apologized (or even said "excuse me") for having to use the cell phone while you were out on social outing? Or to text? Or to call someone back? There appears to be the sense and urgency that because technology allows people to respond immediately, you should instantly look at your cell phone or your computer no matter what social setting you are in. But the truth is, people (older generation mostly) with good manners will apologize in advance or not check their cell phone or computer under same circumstance.

Good manners don't necessarily have to be tossed out the window because of advancing technology. And good manners have to be taught. Instead of bemoaning Gen Y's lack of face to face interaction, perhaps that could be addressed by instilling good manners to kids in school so that they understand an interruption, even one that comes in the form of technology, is rude.