This is an interesting topic.
Chat GPT give me a comprehensive global history of human touch.
The History of Touch Across the World
Ancient Societies
Prehistoric and early civilizations relied heavily on touch for bonding, caregiving, and social cohesion. Early humans used physical gestures like hugging, holding, and touching to build trust and community.
In Africa, traditional societies emphasized touch in social bonding, kinship, and rituals. Greetings often involved handshakes, cheek kisses, or embraces. Elders and leaders used touch during blessings and ceremonies, reinforcing social hierarchies and spiritual connections.
In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, touch was an important part of social rituals, athletic competitions, and religious ceremonies. Greeks practiced tactile greetings and social gestures, while Romans used touch in both formal and informal contexts.
Middle Ages
In medieval Europe, social etiquette became more formal, with touch reserved for family, close friends, or religious contexts. Religious practices involved touch, such as laying on of hands, blessings, or communion. In many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, touch remained an important part of social and spiritual life, often governed by local customs.
Renaissance and Early Modern Period
Art and literature from this period often depicted a balance between intimacy and formality. In Africa and Asia, touch remained central to social bonds, traditional healing, and spiritual practices, often involving elaborate rituals.
19th and Early 20th Centuries
In Western societies, the Victorian era emphasized modesty and restraint. Touch was reserved for close family or romantic partners, and public displays of affection were often discouraged. In Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, traditional customs persisted, with greetings like handshakes, cheek kisses, or bowing, depending on local norms. Hygiene concerns also began to influence attitudes toward touch, especially in urban areas.
Post-World War II to Present
Modern Western societies saw a shift toward valuing personal space, with social norms around touch becoming more cautious, especially in formal settings. Handshakes, hugs, and other gestures remain common but are often context-dependent. In Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, touch continues to be a fundamental part of social interaction, kinship, and community bonding.
Globalization and media have also influenced local customs, sometimes leading to more or less physical contact.
Contemporary Trends
Hygiene and health concerns have significantly affected attitudes toward touch worldwide. The rise of germ theory, public health campaigns, and recent pandemics like COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of touch in social and emotional well-being.
Cultural variations remain: in many Western societies, personal space and physical distance are emphasized, while in many African, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cultures, close physical contact remains a sign of warmth and trust. The pandemic temporarily reduced physical contact globally, but it also underscored its importance for human connection.
Summary
Throughout human history, touch has been a universal language of connection, respect, and community. Its form and significance have varied widely across cultures and eras. In early societies and many traditional cultures, touch was an essential part of social bonds, rituals, and spiritual practices. In Western societies, especially from the Victorian era onward, touch became more restrained. Today, cultural norms around touch continue to evolve, influenced by health concerns, globalization, and changing social values, but the fundamental human need for touch remains vital for emotional health and social cohesion worldwide.
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" they usually feel embarrassed and laugh and walk away, but Is it a cultural thing for them to just walk up to random people and touch them? 
