That isn't new - just look at old photographs of commuter trains packed to the brim with everyone burying their face in a newspaper. Even the for profit part isn't new. At this point a lack of people for smalltalk is as much of a societal problem as the inability to find a badminton partner in say Eugene, Iowa. It is the norm and it is time to accept that people don't like talking with random strangers about nothing of consequence out of boredom.

Similarly parents not being attentive enough to their children is also sadly not new. (Satisfaction is also likely elusive for kids given the sheer craving they have proving incompatible with maintaining a house and necessary income.)

Although I wonder about the psychological impact of that being combined with helicopter parents going full surveillance state as the discourse shifts from "Tracking bands on your kid? That sounds stupid and horrifying." to being seriously considered and accepted. Like asking for a very locked down "can call only them with GPS" wrisrtwatch-phone." Society pendulums too much for linear social progressions and I hope it does so before we reach "You don't have trackers on your kid what the hell is wrong with you!" norms.

It must be frustrating being constantly watched yet never being able to receive attention when desired.