Negative reinforcement works wonders, and there’s a lot of it about.

The Guardian (UK) ran a series about the epidemic of loneliness. Research has pointed out the growing inability of humans to form bonds other than the “instrumental” (relationships strictly of pragmatic usefulness, or even for a specific purpose, romantic or otherwise). This has very real and toxic effects on health and quality of life, particularly in the developed world.

Maybe they can find a way back. I say “they” because I’m hoping to leave North America, exactly for this reason. People seem to have forgotten how to be friends, just because.

I wish them luck.