You may be right that society is becoming less social, or at least less synchronous in our sharing of emotions since we do communicate so much these days using impersonal means of communication. I know what you mean about emailing someone in the next cubicle. I've done that myself. People in our industry are often a little introverted so we may be more apt to communicate that way.

I'm working from home these days and most of my communication is through email, but I really don't mind it. The workplace has always been an uncomfortable place for me. I like to be able to choose who I associate with. At work, you're forced to spend a lot of time with people you might not want to be with.

This topic of emotional synchrony is interesting. I haven't seen it in any other books, but it seems like it would be a major problem if you're not able to connect with other people emotionally. That would make for a lonely life.