I didn't realize this was a particular problem in Southern California. Who knew!

They don't socialize in a way that you understand and approve of. It is not a social crisis but a social change, it comes with difficult lessons like all social change.We will be different and the world will work differently. Again.

You know I hear it all the time any thing new is bad! The radio was the devil's tool, Tv was rotting the minds of kids. Different kinds of music was stealing our kids from us. Now its the internet, computers, cell phones etc etc. These things are just advancement in technoligy and it is needed to know how to use them for work and society today. It is lifes evolving time to stop complaining and embrace the new technoligy. Just because you did not have it growing up does not mean it is badfor anyone. We get news faster today then even last year. Only dictators want to control the informantion aka liddle donnie fish lips calling news it does not like fake!

The concern was posited in the 70's about TV. You can't un-invent the wheel, so it is probably best to adapt and seek solutions that best reflect the needs of the individuals. Rather than 'save' the family dinner it may be necessary to re-invent it.

Easy solution. Don't allow it at the table. When the kids are young, limit time. It can be done.

The art of letter-writing will be seriously damaged by this new technology! The telegraph will cause serious decline in social function!
People will no longer speak to one another, keeping their heads buried while together. The newspaper must be carefully controlled.
No longer will people visit one another in person. The telephone will lead to a society partitioned off from one another.

You can tell me each new technology will ruin our social skills, but a computer in your pocket that connects you to people all over the world seems like it might make people more social, not less. Humans are social creatures. We will connect with people nearby and across the globe, given the chance.

People have to make an effort. Eventually society will realise that real, face to face interactions hold more value.

“Students today depend upon paper too much. They don’t know how to write on a slate without getting chalk dust all over themselves. They can’t clean a slate properly. What will they do when they run out of paper?” Principals Association, 1815

“Students today depend too much upon ink. They don’t know how to use a pen knife to sharpen a pencil. Pen and ink will never replace the pencil!” National Association of Teachers, 1907

“Students today depend upon store bought ink. They don’t know how to make their own. When they run out of ink they will be unable to write words or ciphers until their next trip to the settlement. This is a sad commentary on modern education.” The Rural American Teacher, 1929

“Students today depend upon these expensive fountain pens. They can no longer write with a straight pen and nib (not to mention sharpening their own quills). We parents must not allow them to wallow in such luxury to the detriment of learning how to cope in the real business world, which is not so extravagant.” PTA Gazette, 1941

“Ballpoint pens will be the ruin of education in Our Country. Students use these devices and then throw them away! The American virtues of thrift and frugality are being discarded. Businesses and banks will never allow such expensive luxuries.” Federal Teachers, 1950

"The internet and cell phones are destroying the world" - some guy on the internet 2018

Since the dawn of man, people have been complaining about the reliance of technology.

Before this, people watched television at the dinner table and before that they read books. If one doesn't want to engage, one won't.

Word??