Final answer:
Personal space in North American culture generally equates to maintaining an arm's length distance during face-to-face communication, and there is a preference for this amount of space to avoid discomfort. With the advent of health concerns and changes in social norms, non-contact greetings have become more common. Proxemics studies how interpersonal space affects social interactions and intimacy in different cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Personal Space in North American Culture
The concept of personal space refers to the invisible buffer zone individuals maintain around themselves into which others may not intrude without causing discomfort. In most North American societies, this space is typically about an arm's length when communicating face-to-face—a clear illustration of the cultural norms around proximity. North Americans generally value their personal space and can feel uneasy if someone stands too close without appropriate context. When it comes to professional interactions, such as shaking hands, the norms have also been subject to change, particularly since 2020, as individuals may opt for a wave or a nod in lieu of physical contact either for health reasons or personal comfort level. Proxemics is the study of this interpersonal space and articulates how it can affect intimacy and social interactions within different cultures. Online privacy and security can be viewed as a digital extension of personal space, with many Americans recognizing there are inherent risks associated with increased online activity. However, their perceptions of these risks vary concerning threats from individuals, companies, and governments.