Final answer:
The effects of distance decay have diminished and Tobler's First Law is less absolute due to technologies that connect people and places regardless of geographical distance, altering traditional spatial interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon of distance decay, where interactions between locations decline as the distance between them increases, is not as prevalent today due to technological advancements that reduce the 'friction of distance'.
This directly impacts Tobler's First Law of Geography, which states that 'everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things'. With the rise of digital communication and improved transportation, geographical constraints have lessened, weakening the effects of distance decay and the adherence to Tobler's Law.
For instance, people can work or socialize virtually, without the need to be physically close. Furthermore, the rapid distribution and transportation networks diminish the influence of physical distance on trade and commerce. In essence, the modern technological landscape allows for interactions that defy traditional spatial limitations, suggesting that geographical proximity is no longer a strict determinant of relational closeness.