Etiquette is again the issue here. While it may be viewed as addiction, I think it's a simpler problem. Being in public is not a particularly thrilling experience for most people. We've simply come to accept that people prefer to venture outside with a private space of sorts, the fact that they seem to be focused entirely on their device provides a convenient excuse for them to avoid interaction, intentional or not, with complete strangers. The problem I wanted to address in that part was more focused on using technology while knowing that by doing so you are most likely putting others in danger (ex: texting and driving). In potentially dangerous situations, I can observe people using their devices without care for the safety of others or themselves. In the "real world", sane people don't intentionally antagonize those with a differing opinion, unless they've a fairly significant justification for doing so. Irrespective of the communication medium, conflicts will occur. I don't like the implication here (if indeed it exists), that such divides require "mending". While it may be comforting to believe that we all ought to be able to get along, our mindset as it is defined by our society (and other, less mutable factors, of which I don't want to discuss the specifics) does not allow for a scenario where everyone can be satisfied with mutual tolerance.