People are having mixed emotions about if Vancouver's communal dining idea should come to other areas. It is a nice idea that you can meet new people, however, most people now-a-days are on their phones while waiting for food and while eating, regardless of if they are with family or not. People in today's society, presumably kids and teens, will most likely not interact with others, unless spoken to or unless it is necessary. Vancouver's idea has been in motion since 2012, and they have been encouraging more restaurants to do this.
In a lot of ways, this is a very good idea, because if you are looking to make more friends and interact with others. It will also help you talk more and learn to venture out of your comfort zone. This helps us bond with our peers and learn from each other. It also benefits your manners at the table, and if people start to bond, there will be less isolation.
This idea is definitely not for everyone, as many people are shy and do not want to be bothered. Also, some people don't feel comfortable talking to strangers. Most people that go out to dinner are not there to meet new people, they are there to be with the person they came with. At a long table, I feel there is no privacy to talk about personal things, and you will not have any time alone with your family or friends. You would also have to watch what you say to make sure that you aren't revealing too much to a stranger, because you never know who you are actually talking to. Mr. Tostenson of the National Post said a very true fact, which was "Gyms, bars and concerts are probably better places to meet strangers. The restaurant industry is not there to satisfy those kinds of connections," he later added "It's an interesting topic, but I don't think it's going to go anywhere. It is a nice idea, however, if every restaurant were to have only communal dining tables, people would not be happy about that, and they might even protest if they are that upset.
In conclusion, if they start making all restaurants communal, I won't like that because when I go out, it's to talk to the other people that I go out with and enjoy a meal with them, not to meet other people. I also don't think think this will increase socializing because people won't socialize any more than they would if they were at a bar, concert, club, etc.
Sources:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/02/06/how-to-turn-vancouver-into-a-cheery-engaged-city-get-strangers-to-share-a-meal-at-communal-tables-report-says/
http://www.vancouversun.com/Dining+with+strangers+among+recommendations+make+Vancouver+more+engaged/9451336/story.html
http://www.straight.com/food/social-feeds-communal-meals-make-dinner-party-vancouver
http://www.bcliving.ca/food/vancouver-communal-dining-and-long-table-restaurants
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