“Why Nametags Could Change Everyday Interactions”

Have you ever noticed how often we interact with strangers without really knowing their names? On social media, most people openly display their first and last names — it’s normal and expected. But in real life, we rarely do that.

I’ve been thinking about how wearing a simple nametag in certain public spaces — like stores, restaurants, cafés, and shopping malls — could make interactions more personal and friendly. These are places where people feel comfortable and interested in knowing each other’s names. It’s not about exposing your identity or forcing anyone to share private information. It’s about connecting by name, making interactions warmer, and building a sense of community.

This isn’t meant to be a requirement — it’s voluntary. If people want to try it, they can experiment and see how it feels. Maybe you’ll notice strangers saying “Hey Shaun!” instead of “Hey guy!” — or “Hey ma’am!” instead of using your actual name. That small change can make social interactions feel more human and respectful.

I’m starting this page to explore the idea, share experiences, and see where it could go. Even if one person reads this and decides to try a nametag in a public space, that’s already a start.

Questions for discussion:

• Would you feel comfortable wearing a nametag voluntarily in public?

• What kinds of places do you think this could work best?

Let’s start a conversation about making everyday interactions a little friendlier — one name at a time.

Source-Shaun Griffin and ChatGPT