Have people forgotten how to people?

In this episode of Side Quest Mamas, we’re diving headfirst into the strange reality that seems to be unfolding around us: people are ruder, more impatient, more self-absorbed, and somehow operating on what feels like full NPC mode.

From strangers acting like basic manners are an optional DLC, to people staring through you while they scroll, drive, shop, work, and exist in their own little digital bubbles, we have questions. When did everyone stop saying excuse me? When did common courtesy become a rare achievement? And why does it sometimes feel like we’re surrounded by characters who are just waiting for someone to activate their dialogue tree?

Maybe it’s Main Character Syndrome. Maybe it’s burnout. Maybe technology has rewired the way we i ...