Hard to believe, isn’t it, that it was almost exactly five years ago that the U.S. shut down because of the “Coronavirus”. Five whole years. Jeez, where does the time go?
A lot has changed in those five years. And we mean a lot!
From everyday interactions to customer service experiences, many people have noticed shifts in social etiquette. Some argue that the pandemic made people more impatient and short-tempered, while others believe it reminded folks of the importance of kindness and community. Whether it’s the way people drive, behave in stores, or interact online, the ripple effects of those lockdown days still linger.
At the same time, the world has adapted in ways we never expected. Remote work became the norm for many, self-checkouts and online ordering skyrocketed, and personal space in public settings is now more respected (or ignored, depending on who you ask).
But one big question remains: Has all of this made Americans generally ruder or nicer?
In general, do you think Americans have become ruder or nicer since the COVID pandemic began in 2020? Why do you think that?
Please feel free to leave a comment after you vote, but for the love of commenting, please leave politics out of it. You make our job much less enjoyable when you leave unnecessary political comments and anger other readers. Please!
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- Have you spent a free night in a parking lot with your RV in the last year?
##RVDT2603
Ruder and self-centered. No community any more.
It started before COVID, and has gotten worse. I’m not sure COVID was the reason.
My computer has done the capitols, not me. I don’t know why..
I think COVID is just the excuse. The cause (IMHO) started when the media fed the political divide. No one talks about COVID except as a dark spot in our history. But politics? We’re still too divided, and few people are taking the time to listen.
Ya nailed it Notch. Spot on.
It’s much easier to talk than to listen.
Learning to listen is an acquired and practiced skill most folks will NEVER understand.
It’s not easy to be good listener when your mouth runs much faster than your brain!
Your analogy certainly applies to the current occupant in the White House.
and this is the political divide noted in comments above.
You just had to go there…
Happy days are here again. Lol.
My father always said: “When you talk you learn nothing, when you listen you may learn something”.
COVID wasn’t the reason for the change in Americans’ attitude towards others. The politicians in office five years ago had much more of an impact on whether or not people were nice to one another.
4
Ruder, and many reasons, but COVID only one of many. Political divide and amplification by the main stream media, indoctrination of kids and young adults in all grade levels. The addiction to mobile devices and social media, and the list goes on and on. I find in our area, the nicest, kindest, friendliest and most respectful people and families are those that home school, went to or send to Christian schools or military schools, or other private schools.
I don’t see much change. The people we encounter throughout our travels today seem about as friendly as they were ten years ago. Doors are still held open for the most part, please and thank you still occurs and smiles still abound.
Online? Ruder (and downright mean).
In-person? Not much change.
I checked “ruder” but it could be I didn’t notice how many people were self-obsessed and felt entitled before COVID.
Neal Davis is my inspiration to be nicer on line.
I don’t think the COVID pandemic has anything to do with people, generally, being ruder. I think that the general rudeness comes from expected entitlement.
So called “social media” is the worst thing ever invented. It has brainwashed so many kids, and grownups, this nation is getting FUBAR.
👍 Have a great day, J B. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
🤔
Wife and I think rudeness was trending earlier, but COVID accelerated this trend. Maybe due to microclots in our brains known to be a results of COVID.
This is an interesting question. Causation versus corelation. Clearly, in the last 5 or 8 years, our social interactions have changed but is it a result of Covid, Covid lies and misinformation, govt overreach, the D coup on the former President JB, the attempted limiting of free speech? Is it the burning down of our cities to the tune of $3 billion of damages and 12 deaths, or even add in Jan 6 for the many that lean that direction. Clearly we are divided. Our Media openly refer to 1/2 the country as NAZIs, racsists and homophobes and then wonder why we are so divided. 1/2 our congress can’t stand & cheer a 13 year old cancer survivor.
Covid hangover or Covid excuse?
Amen.
Very well explained and I agree hopefully this too will pass.
I think the rise of social media created a lot of Keyboard Warriors.
Hi, Tom. I think you’re correct. Maybe a more accurate term for it would be “antisocial media.”🤔 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Much much ruder, it’s like people have been given permission to say whatever comes to mind & da*n the consequences. Makes me very sad actually. Kindness seems to be a thing of the past, especially online. Seems like some people just go looking for someone to insult or belittle.
Exactly what I’m seeing too why can’t we all just git along!
Didn’t vote because my answer is some of both. Those who knew how to communicate pre-COVID have become somewhat nicer. Those who communicated primarily via social media pre-COVID seem to have further lost direct communication skills.
Hi, Jim. Like I mentioned to someone else who commented regarding “social media,” I think it should be called “antisocial media.” I think that’s more accurate. More people are communicating anonymously, rather than face-to-face, and it sometimes brings out the worst in them, unfortunately. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Sorry. Computer error. Would delete if could. Perhaps you can help, Diane? Thank you!
Hi, Neal. I saw that cut-off comment and replied, then when I saved my comment, yours was missing. Either you fixed it or deleted it? Have a good night, Neal. 😀 –Diane
Thank you for the question, RV Travel. I see others are finding, have found, others more rude. I tend to see few people during our almost solitary existence here on the farm. The few I do see seem the same, or nicer. If the latter, it likely is because we regularly see them and have gotten to know each other a bit. However, others are, I try not to take it personally because I have little, if any, insight into their lives. Have a great day and safe travels!
People have become very sensitive and mean spirited and hateful my observation only’