Has the internet killed social etiquette?

Screens have fundamentally altered human interaction, creating a digital environment that rewards performative "main character" behavior and flattens complex human experiences into legible, algorithmic scripts. This shift has eroded real-life social etiquette, as users increasingly demand constant attention and lack the grace or empathy typically afforded to others in person. The rise of "screen maxing" and "solo maxing" reflects a broader trend of individuals curating their lives for digital consumption, often leading to antisocial impulses where past mistakes are never allowed to expire. As social media enters a third generation dominated by AI and bots, the line between reality and performance blurs further. Establishing personal boundaries, such as silencing notifications or enforcing periods of digital disconnection, remains a necessary strategy to reclaim authentic human connection and mitigate the alienating effects of constant online engagement.