Are we a nation of strangers?

[Admin]

I read an interesting article on the BBC website, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7384760.stm.


More than a third (36%) of us would not trust anybody on our street with our keys, according to ICM research commissioned by the BBC.

Among 25 to 34 year olds that figure is almost a half (48%).

Meanwhile, more than one in five (22%) believes our neighbourhoods have become less friendly in the last five years.

[Arnie]

I think this is just a side effect of modern society. We're all too busy chasing the money to have time for our neighbours and friends. Many people are to busuy working to even have time for their immediate familes so neighbours have no chance.

I do think this website is a good thing though and I can see it working. The internet seems to be the modern way of cimmunicating so I can see this kicking off.

[PauWill]

I also think that since the demise of the old corner shop, the local area knowledge has declined,, the corner shop was the meeting place for the local people, everyone new what was going on with everyone else, and although it was thought to be "gossip" it kept everyone in touch and up to date.How many people actually talk to each other in a Supermarket.

[Admin]

Totally agree PauWill. The demise of such public meeting spots has had a huge detrimental effect on community spirit.

It seems most new ways of life are deemed to ensure we don't actually mingle with one another physically. Supermarkets you mentioned are a prize example, yeah you might bump into the odd person you know but the vast majority of shoppers will be strangers to you.

As many benefits as the Internet brings, it also reduces the need for people to interact face to face. i.e. on-line shopping, tele conferencing, home working to name but a few.

I wonder what effect all this lack of general social interaction will have on future generations?