The Rise Of "Awkwardness" And Social Immaturity

Doesn't it seem like social awkwardness is on the rise?  How much of what we think of other people has to do with how awkward they may be?  How much comedy in the media has to do with awkward situations?  I heard that there is a TV show called "Awkward."  What is the deal with this growing hyper-sensitivity to awkwardness?

I think awkwardness is becoming a legitimate fear, especially among younger people.  Isn't it weird that younger people seem to be more afraid of awkward situations than of the effects of smoking?  What should make us more uncomfortable than social discomfort?  I can't put my finger on what it is exactly, but my hunch is that this hyper sensitivity to social awkwardness reflects social immaturity.  We ought to be able to get past social awkwardness for the sake of more important things.  Things like service, teamwork, mutual edification, and meaningful friendships.

There's got to be some underlying value that's been misplaced or replaced.  Something is stunting the growth of social maturity.  Whatever it is, it's disturbing.