Yes, I’m a curmudgeon
So the New York Times ran a story about electronic checkout machines
this morning, which you can find here. One of the concerns
expressed by some psychologists and sociologists is that such machines
lead to further social atomization, as we have to interact with other
people (especially, perhaps, across class lines) less and less.
But I can’t say that I’ve found that to be the case. Here’s the letter I wrote to the editor:
Although some
critics are rightfully concerned that the trend toward electronic kiosks in the
service industries reduces human interaction, my experience has shown that the
human workers themselves have minimized their human interaction with customers.
At my local grocery store and drugstore, while ringing up my items, the clerks
appear hard-pressed to greet me, to look at me, to thank me for my custom, or to
address any word to me besides saying “That’ll be $21.43.” Much of the time,
they simply continue their conversations with their colleagues, content to
ignore me pretty much entirely.
It may not be
technically more interactive, but the checkout machines certainly feel
more interactive, and they are definitely more polite. The machines, at least,
seem capable of saying “please” and “thank you.”
Star Market and CVS! I’m talking about you!
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