Handshake No More

Pulse

oi-Staff

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 14:31

Handshake when you meet someone, no more is in the trend, reports a new poll. The vogue among Britons on meeting is touching fists, air kisses or waves.

Researchers point out that online social networking has left fewer opportunities for people to come face-to-face and shake hands.

The handshake, which evolved in medieval times, by knights to show they were unarmed, is too formal a way to meet friends according to young adults.

A survey of 1,000 adults by Carex, a hand-wash brand, revealed that the custom of shaking hands is fading with each generation with 74percent.

David Holmes of Manchester Metropolitan University says, "In our evolutionary past, touch was the foundation of families and civilized coexistence, helping to reduce stress, violence and dissent. It is one of the most powerful forms of public touch that can be used in society today and it can leave a lasting impression on those touched."

Professor Patrick O' Donnell of the department of psychology at the University of Glasgow sees the dying of handshake as a loss. He feels it will only make people of UK more distant.

In UK it is thought to be formal while in Scotland catching up the trend term it as 'not on'.

Many others are of the view that shaking hands is perfectly fine in formal situations like business deals etc But at the same time younger people giving Hi – Five on meeting portrays genuine gesture of affection.