I think the thesis of this argument applies equally well (or perhaps even more so) to digital communities as to the offline world.

A lack of civility has frequently been a problem in most online communities I'm aware of.

It's true that the author seemed to find the use of technology uncivil. But I'm not sure he was wrong in this: in the context he mentioned (during his class, and bumping into people between class) the actions caused by the use of technology (inattention, and physical contact) are usually regarded as rude no matter what the cause.