Why Have We Become Ruder After the Pandemic: What Research Shows.

According to Vox: A linear question that interests practically every generation: are new kids becoming ruder, bolder, and more impolite? 'We have heard stories about Emily concerning this issue, we have heard stories from our grandmother about how she faced this problem,' says Lizzie Post, great-granddaughter of Emily Post and now co-president of the Emily Post Institute. 'Five generations allow us to see that we always look back at the past and think that it was more polite.'

It seems that society as a whole is indeed becoming ruder. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, almost half of the country believes that people's manners are becoming ruder compared to the past. Go anywhere, and you will inevitably encounter someone speaking on their phone on speaker, passengers mixing food on an airplane, or students walking out of a classroom without notice. These cases always spark heated discussions online.

“Have we become ruder? I don’t know, but I know that we are less attentive to one another, we do not pay as much attention to our impact on each other.”

Post cannot explain whether our modern culture is truly less polite than past generations, but she believes we are living in a crisis of attention that may lead to disrespectful behavior. Constantly distracted and always fixated on screens, we are used to switching topics during conversations or checking emails right at the dinner table. And this is only concerning those we know. We pay little attention to the comfort of strangers when watching videos on YouTube without headphones on a crowded bus.

What is Considered Rude?

“Rude” can mean different things for different people. For some, it may be concerning when students suddenly leave a lecture, while others may see it as a violation of social norms. However, Post notes that your perception of 'rude' behavior is shaped by personal experience and views.

According to Post, you will define an action as rude if it offended, showed a lack of respect, or caused you discomfort. Actions that you expect to be treated like or that others do not conform to this standard may be considered rude.

This article discusses whether new generations are truly becoming less polite and more brazen. Some people believe that overall societal behavior is becoming ruder, especially in the context of an attention crisis and constant immersion in a digital world. The idea of rudeness is different for each person and can depend on their personal beliefs and experiences.