@HelenLockhart@mastodon.scot I have been thinking about this recently. My conclusion is that this is an intentional policy to make us all isolated. The more divided we are, the easier we are to control and influence. I notice it most with banking. Most bank staff were friendly and chatty. Now it is all automated. In my bank last week on 1 of it's 3 open days, and customers were queuing out the door. We like to talk. Talking is good.