What are we possibly thinking?

I don't understand why we as people in a society seem to be so complacent with accepting inferior social behavior due to technology. For example, I was purchasing a new printer for my computer. I was well informed and prepared , and knew exactly what model number I wanted. Then I saw another model that caught my eye, I asked one associate if he could help me and he said he would be there shortly. I waited for him for 20 minutes watching him as he spoke and laughed with fellow employees, was texting, or instant messaging, or facebooking, myspacing, or whatever on his blackberry.
Now, I love to have a great time just as anyone else. But there is a time and a place for everything. I don't know what has changed, work ethic?, me?, jobs in general? Whatever it is that has changed, do I have to just accept it? Was I wrong in asking for help? Just because there is a wealth of information available to everybody, does that mean that we, as consumers are to make decisions solely on whatever information we can get online? The lack of knowledge shown and the attitude given by some employees I've interacted with has left me no choice but to believe that they are there solely to pass time. Some have no interest in anything, others have no knowledge of anything, and some are so miserable to be where they are, it shows. To those people I say, " If you don't want to be in the situation you are in, then do something about it." Even as I was stuck in a job I hated, while I was there, I did it to the best of my ability and I did it to the best of my knowledge. Hell, I was even nice about it. It just made it easier for me to accept my current situation, and easier to change it.
For the past few years, I have made it a point to leave the place of business if I do not like the service I am receiving. What else can we do as consumers in this society? Hit them where it hurts!! I make my displeasure known to the managers or supervisors, tell them exactly why they lost my business, and leave. I find that by doing this, it probably won't change anything, but at least it won't change me!!!