Civility—the basic courtesy and respect we show one another—feels like it’s slipping away in everyday life, according to many Los Angeles residents. From casual encounters on the street to interactions in public spaces, a growing number of people believe that polite behavior and common decency are becoming less common.

Several factors contribute to this perception. Some point to the fast pace of modern life and the distractions of technology, which can make people less aware of those around them. Others highlight the increasingly polarized social and political climate, which can fuel tension and reduce empathy between individuals. Whatever the cause, the result is a sense that the simple acts of kindness and respect that once marked daily interactions are fading.

This decline in civility

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