We live in a fast-paced, high-pressure world, and small talk seems to be slowly disappearing. As we increasingly rely on our phones to fill uncomfortable silences or awkward encounters, we avoid facing those moments head-on.
Is this societal shift turning us into unintentionally introverted individuals? It seems our phones are partly to blame.
Starting at Penn State can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know anyone. Making friends might seem difficult at first.
Many people hope that the random roommate they’ve been assigned or someone they’ve connected with through Instagram or Facebook group chats will instantly become a close friend. However, that’s not always the case for everyone.
Class is a way a lot of people make friends. Even for introverts, classes can feel less daunting than knocking on doors to meet people on your floor. You’d think the elevator would be a good spot to stop, chat and meet others, but apparently, people don’t do that anymore!
In the working world, it’s common to speak in the elevator. It’s considered polite to smile and say “good morning” or “good afternoon” to those around you. At Penn State, though, it isn’t considered rude to stay silent. This is interesting because the people in the elevator at work all have their work in common, while Penn State students have their school in common. So why is it any different?
Regional Differences in Small Talk
Is small talk more normalized among strangers in urban settings? The divide between students at Penn State might not just be a result of campus culture, it could also reflect regional differences.
Penn State attracts students from all over the world. For those coming from smaller, rural settings, small talk may not be something they’ve grown up with or seen as normal. As a result, silence in elevators might not stand out to them because it’s just how they’re used to behaving.
In more urban settings, such as big, busy cities where noise is constant, small talk feels more normalized. People in cities are accustomed to noise and often find it comforting. They tend to struggle less with awkward silences because it’s something they’ve learned to avoid. So, small talk and elevator conversations are simply more common in these environments.
Generational Differences and Technology
One could argue that the lack of small talk, especially among college students, might be a generational issue. As discussed earlier, Gen Z is highly reliant on their phones. Having a phone means there’s always something to do, so the concept of truly awkward silence doesn’t exist. This could be why small talk and elevator conversations aren’t as normalized anymore.
Overall, maybe next time you’re in the elevator, think about potentially having a conversation with the person next to you. You never know—you might meet someone really interesting, and honestly, what’s the worst that could happen? Remember, in some places, it’s considered polite, so really, you’re just being polite.
Let us know how you feel about whether small talk is normalized at Penn State, and share your thoughts on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
