Read the text and answer the question. In the past, communication was a slow and often arduous process. Letters, carried by messengers or postal services, could take days, weeks, or even months to reach their destination. Family members living far apart might only exchange news a few times a year. Social gatherings were often the primary means of staying connected with the wider community. Today, the 21st century has brought about an unprecedented revolution in communication. Instant messaging, video calls, and social media platforms allow people to connect globally in real-time. While this has fostered immediate connections, it has also subtly shifted the nature of social interaction, sometimes reducing face-to-face engagement in favor of digital exchanges. Which of the following statements best describes a *subtle difference* in social interaction between the past and the 21st century, as implied by the text?
A) People in the past had no way to communicate over long distances, unlike today.