The sharp ringing of the school bell unleashes the students into the narrow hallways at Hinsdale South High School. Many students mute their social life with headphones and smartphones while others surround themselves with physical and emotional interactions. Ever since the creation of these brilliant yet addicting devices, students began investing more time in the online world, causing social interactions to diminish over the years. They find themselves sucked into a new world of digital sounds and colors, unaware of what is happening around them. 

In a survey given to the student body at Hinsdale South, over 50% of students claimed to greet everyone and anyone they know during passing periods. 

Collin Caldwell, a sophomore at Hinsdale South shared, “I’m a very social person, and enjoy connecting with my friends even if it’s just a simple hello.” He then continued, “while saying hello to a friend in the hall is a nice thing to do, it’s a little awkward when they just stay silent and stare at you, but [it’s] a small price to pay.” 

As shared by Caldwell, social interactions in mere seconds are sometimes a hit or miss.

“Sometimes, I feel bad because I don’t always recognize the faces or the social cues to greet my acquaintances. I sometimes miss my friends’ greetings when I am lost in thought, or when I’m just stressed out,” said senior Maryam Beilani. 

Surprisingly, 20% of the respondents explained that they enjoy their five minutes in solitude, listening to music and getting a break from all the social life. 

“It’s pretty overwhelming when you are spending 8 hours everyday with the same people, in the same building. I listen to music during passing periods to clear my head and to get a social reset,” said senior Oliwia Mikos. 

The decline of social exchange between students in passing periods may not have been caused by technology afterall. The difference in personalities and preferences cause polar opposite social behaviors to exist in the halls of Hinsdale South. Although technology may have caused a minor adverse effect on the social behavior of students, it is still very much alive here at Hinsdale South. So, the next time you walk in the bustling hallways of our school, will you say “Hey”?