Part 6/11:

Yet, some argue that these norms should evolve with technology. Advocate voices suggest that since the telephone itself is a relatively recent invention, with social customs still fluid, it’s natural for etiquette to shift. They claim that insisting on traditional greetings as a moral or social imperative is outdated and embodies a refusal to adapt to new communication styles.

The Argument for Preservation of Norms

Proponents of maintaining traditional phone etiquette contend that certain social rituals—like saying hello—are fundamental to societal cohesion. They view the passive silence upon answering as not only confusing but symptomatic of a broader decline in social skills. This, they say, erodes mutual respect and undermines basic civility.