>I blame the Internet for another reason: we're spending so much time online no one has time for face-to-face communication, either with friends or strangers.
One of the reasons why I absolutely hate QR code menus at restaurants. They make the default state of the table as "phones out." Even in an in-person interaction, the Internet is still necessarily right there.
I suspect QR code menus and restaurant apps are just conditioning us for a time when they can set the prices on my menu differently from the prices on yours based on income level instead of having to guess at who they can rip off using things like what kind of phone you have or what your zip code is (https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilhowe/2017/11/17/a-special-p...)
You get a server? The places I've been to with those expect you to order and pay through their portal. The first time you interact with a person is when your drinks come out.
One of the reasons why I absolutely hate QR code menus at restaurants. They make the default state of the table as "phones out." Even in an in-person interaction, the Internet is still necessarily right there.