choose in-person conversations over digital communication

“Life is a conversation and you need places to have it. The virtual provides us with more spaces for these conversations and these are enriching. But what makes the physical so precious is that it supports continuity in a different way; it doesn’t come and go, and it binds people to it. You can’t just log off or drop out.” ― Sherry Turkle, Reclaiming Conversation

There are some compelling reasons why face-to-face interactions are way better than talking over digital devices. Communicating in real life is more “personal” — our facial expressions and body language establish a direct connection between the words we speak and the true feelings that go along with them. In other words, it’s easier to have fake conversations via digital media.

Moreover, people talking in person are more conscious and offer each other more attention as compared to those communicating over online platforms. For instance, students in the previously mentioned study browsed online and even watched videos while Skyping, but they avoided these behaviors (as expected) when they were physically present in front of their conversation partners.

As per research data, we can easily conclude that the new technological ways of interacting with our fellow humans are far from effective. So, if you’re truly interested in creating authentic connections with people, choose in-person conversation over digital communication whenever possible. This one change will bring more warmth and depth to your social interactions.