I think the difference is, when you called someone in the 90s to ask to say borrow a cup of sugar:<p><pre><code>  Call neighbor. 1 minute of small talk
  Ask the question
  Get answer
  more small talk.
  Say goodbye.
</code></pre>
Today it would be (via txt):<p><pre><code>  A: can i borrow a c of sugar?
  B: y. come over
  A: k
</code></pre>
A lot of communication happens through text messages which dramatically reduces the number of words you say to another human being.<p>I think what is more damaging is that most people can solve their own problems without ever having to rely on neighbors or even family. Cell phones, uber, and other services remove the need to ask for help. You don&#x27;t really ask people for directions, ask the time, find out how to do something.<p>Yes. people still talk to neighbors, family, friends, etc. But it happens much less and in much different contexts. For instance the vast majority of people would not call their neighbor to check on their kids because they are stuck in a storm.