In modern society, technology has tremendously altered the ways in which we interact with one

another on a daily basis. Indeed, contemporary innovations have significantly reduced the need for
human-to-human exchanges, favoring time and cost-efficient, non-human alternatives. In fact, a
person residing in an urban environment could meet all of their basic needs with little-to-no human
contact.

Ticketing machines and turnstiles allow us to use public transportation without interacting with a
cashier, with some cities now moving towards online payment systems for smartcards. Apps
like Uber provide taxi services at the press of a button and relay pickup and drop off information to
the driver directly, meaning you can jump in without uttering a single word the whole ride. Amazon
can now deliver virtually anything within 30 minutes with the use of drones through its Prime
Air service. Self-checkout systems at grocery stores and food delivery apps eliminate the need for
interaction with producers and sellers alike, while self check-in options are becoming increasingly
popular with companies such as Airbnb and a growing number of hotels around the world.

There is no doubt we live more fast-paced, comfortable, and efficient lives than ever before. But at
what cost? Are we sacrificing human connection in order to minimize human effort?

Transactional interactions become increasingly important as one ages and leaves the professional
sphere along with its accompanying social circles. For many people — especially the elderly —
these interactions are sometimes their only chance to have conversations over the course of the
day. When 73-year-old Helen R. was asked what she thought of the new Amazon Go stores, she
replied: “Are people really in such a hurry that they can’t speak to each other anymore?”