This kind of reaction combined with the emerging hyperlocal paradigm makes me think — hope — that the more digital and global we become, the more we will also seek out face-to-face conversations in local coffee shops.

Just for clarification, if you re-read my excerpt above, I said that the time crunch we’re under forces us to substitute digital for in-person relationships. I did not say digital was the cause, but rather our need as a society to do more all the time – to always be on – to always be working. As evidence, just look at the universally declining participation rates in service clubs, chambers of commerce, and churches. All of which require taking time out of your day to go and meet face-to-face.

Very few people are bigger fans of digital relationship-building (hopefully followed up with face-to-face) than I am. I’ve written about it extensively. But, there’s no question I don’t have time to go meet people for lunch the way I used to, and I don’t believe I’m alone in that scenario. Thus, digital relationships are what we’ve fallen back upon, and while they are less than ideal, I’ll take half a loaf at this point.