The Silent Decline of Basic Manners
We're losing the little things that hold respect and connection together. Here's why acknowledging someone matters more than ever—and how we can bring it back.
We live in a time of increasing disconnection. Despite being constantly plugged into devices, we’ve become more unplugged from one another. Social greetings—those small, everyday rituals like saying “good morning” or acknowledging someone’s presence—aren’t just polite formalities. They’re foundational acts of respect. They say, I see you. You matter.
What Happened to “Hello”?
There are a few reasons this social breakdown is happening. First, socialization at home has shifted. Kids typically learn manners by watching adults. If they grow up in an environment where greetings aren’t prioritized—or where parents are too distracted to model them—they may not see why it matters.
Second, technology is increasingly taking up space where human interaction used to happen. We walk into rooms, homes, or classrooms with our heads down, eyes on phones. Screens replace faces. And with that, we miss the subtle cues and opportunities for real connection.
There’s also a broader cultural shift happening. In many places, traditional etiquette is being replaced by a more casual, individual-focused approach. That’s not necessarily bad—but without a foundation of mutual respect, casual can slide into careless.
Why Acknowledging Someone Matters
When someone enters a space and is met with silence, they’re being socially erased. It may not be intentional, but the message is received: You’re not important enough to notice. That can be especially painful in homes, workplaces, or schools—places where connection should be built, not broken.
Acknowledgment isn’t about being formal—it’s about being human. Greeting someone reinforces respect, builds community, and teaches empathy. It shows emotional intelligence and a sense of shared presence. It also encourages self-awareness and reinforces social norms that benefit everyone.
Moving Forward
It starts small: greet people when they enter your space. Encourage your kids to do the same. Look up from the screen. Nod. Smile. Say “hi.”
We don’t need to bring back outdated rules of etiquette, but we do need to reclaim the essence of manners—civility, awareness, and respect. In a noisy world, being present and kind is a radical act.
Maybe it’s time we all ask ourselves: when someone walks in the room, do I make them feel seen?
Etiquette – The customary code of polite behavior in society.
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Civility – Respectful and polite behavior, especially in public or shared spaces.
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Social norms – Accepted behaviors within a society or group.
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Respect – Showing consideration for others, often reflected in greetings and acknowledgment.
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Empathy – Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can motivate courteous behavior.
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Socialization – The process by which individuals learn and adopt the norms and behaviors of their culture.
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Emotional intelligence – The ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—yours and others.
Greeting rituals – Cultural or personal habits used to acknowledge others (e.g., saying hello, shaking hands).
- Acknowledge presence – A basic sign of respect and recognition of another person’s humanity.
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Generational shifts – Changes in behavior or values between age groups, often cited in discussions about manners.
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Parental modeling – Kids often mirror the behavior they see at home; lack of modeling can impact manners.
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Cultural variation – Different cultures have different expectations for greetings and interactions.
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Technology displacement – Phones and screens can interrupt in-person social cues and decrease face-to-face acknowledgment.
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Entitlement or narcissism – In some cases, self-centered attitudes can block basic courteous behaviors.
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Desensitization – A reduced sensitivity to social cues due to overstimulation or isolation.
