Elevators are the Death of Society

What is the point of elevator music? Does it add to the awkwardness of being in an elevator? Does it take away the awkwardness of being on an elevator? To me, it adds to the awkwardness. Recently, I was on an elevator going all the way to the top floor. Quickly, I realized the Jeopardy-like music was playing in tune with all the thoughts rushing through my head. 

Does the other person think I am weird? Should I say goodbye when I get off? Who is supposed to get off first? I should check my phone to make it seem like I am not ignoring them purposefully. 

Elevators are only awkward when there are other people in the elevator. If you are alone, there is no fear of an awkward situation. I will tell you some of the awkward experiences I have had and maybe those that you have also had. When it is just you and maybe 1-2 other people. This is especially awkward when no one knows each other because everyone is checking the nonexistent notifications on their phone. Or, when you kind of know someone but don’t know what to say so you stand there awkwardly and pray they don’t think you are weird afterward. Another good one is when you are with your friends and the group gets divided by another group on the elevator and you all then just stand there awkwardly. Even if the group does not get separated and maybe you were having a conversation with someone before you got onto the elevator, that conversation is supposed to end as soon as you get on the elevator. The elevator is like a library-like environment where if you are with other people and you’re loud on the elevator, you are the weird one and will be judged. Why is this?

As a criminology major, I have taken many sociology classes. After learning about sociology theories, I look for where they can apply in the real world. Elevators are a great place to make social observations. There are no actual rules on how to behave in an elevator, unlike in a library where there are rules. Instead, society creates the rules for interactions in elevators, which is awesome! Elevators are super awkward because your personal space is violated by a stranger for whatever the length of the ride is. We fear that the other person or people will judge us even though they are thinking the same thing. Starting a conversation is also weird because unless you are going to the same place, that conversation could end when it was only just beginning.

Elevators are going to be the death of society.