by our "instant" society? One of the things I really like about SE is that it is quite similar to old fashioned letter-writing. One can take one's time and reflect before firing off an ill-tempered or ill-considered reply. That I don't always do so is my fault only ( rueful expression goes here). While the negatives of not seeing body language and tone clues from speech that one gets from face-to-face conversation is missing in letter writing, perhaps it is balanced by the time and thought one can focus on trying to be understood and understanding another's view.
The weird thing is lots of young people prefer to text each other rather than use their 'phones' actual speech function, but when asked why by researchers offer that it's less stressful while giving them a bit of time to form their words without appearing flustered or "un-cool" *but* also appear to be unconcerned about appearances, even glib or blase. So maybe the art of conversation is at least changing if not actually dead or dying? :^) I don't know. I can see the advantages of a wall or screen of sorts but the long term consequences of delayed emotional proficiency from this is rather frightening.
I'm sure young people would also say I'm past my sell-by-date, and they'd be right. But many of them are somewhat worried, too, according to the same researchers. Heck, my teachers in middle school used to call my generation "TeeVee Babies" as a jab, which I guess was true, though my sister and I loved books growing up and still do. Such comments hurt but were well-intentioned.
But that's no excuse for old men (and women) to rail at each other. One would think age brings patience, if nothing else? :^)
Rick