The Social Contract

Abstract

The interactional (non)behaviour of ignoring openings is analyzed. This is a response that is typically thought of as anomalous – impolite, at best, and hostile, at worst. Trends in assessment of such responses are highlighted to show that they are inconsistent with responses in related situations, in some cases, but also leave a mark on societal expectations and constructs. A model of anxious energy of interaction is proposed, a psychological counterpart of gravitational force applied to desired distance. It is suggested that evaluations of rejections of new technologies are similar to evaluations of ignored communicative openings.