How did Mildred’s friends react to silence? Is there a parallel between modern society?

Mildred's friends cannot handle silence and the contemplation that goes with it. Their minds always need to be filled with a constant barrage of useless information and stimuli. Silence frightens them because they are forced to be alone with their own thoughts. Yes, this is even more relevant today with our cell phones constantly keeping our minds occupied and validating our very existence.