In a world increasingly dominated by technology, a comprehensive review of over 1,000 studies has highlighted a significant downside: while technology-mediated communication is better than no interaction, it falls short of the benefits of face-to-face encounters. This extensive review was published on January 6, 2026, in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, and it underscores the limitations of digital communication methods such as video calls and texting.
Researchers, including Brad Bushman, a professor of communication at The Ohio State University, and Roy Baumeister, a professor of psychology at the University of Queensland, found that people experience less engagement and fewer positive emotional responses when communicating through technology compared to in-person interactions. Bushman remarked,
“If there is no other choice than computer-mediated communication, then it is certainly better than nothing. But if there is a possibility of meeting in person, then using technology instead is a poor substitute.”
The Value of Face-to-Face Interaction
The study’s findings emphasize the importance of direct human contact for psychological and physical health. The concept of “socializing alone” through technology, where individuals communicate with others while physically isolated, raises questions about the quality of these interactions. The researchers conducted a narrative review of 1,158 studies comparing face-to-face and computer-mediated communication, revealing that the latter reduces impact and engagement.
Positive emotional responses, such as laughter, are notably diminished in digital communication. Bushman explained,
“We found a lot of research that shows real health benefits to laughing out loud, but we couldn’t find any health benefits to typing LOL in a text or social media post.”
The review also highlighted that educational outcomes are generally better in in-person settings compared to online classes, a finding that was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nuances of Digital Communication
While video calls offer more emotional benefits than texting, the research indicates that being removed in both time and space makes non-live communication less beneficial. Interestingly, computer-mediated communication can sometimes reduce anxiety, especially for shy individuals who prefer typing their thoughts rather than speaking them aloud. Baumeister noted,
“Shy people in particular seem to feel better about interacting online, where they can type their thoughts into a chat box, and don’t have to call as much attention to themselves.”
However, the anonymity of online interactions can lead to a darker side, where individuals are more likely to express negative comments than they would in person. This reduction in inhibitions can contribute to less effective group dynamics and poorer decision-making in online settings.
The Benefits and Limitations of Digital Engagement
Despite the drawbacks, the review acknowledges that digital communication can be highly effective when participants are motivated and engaged. This is evident in contexts such as online psychotherapy, where patients often report satisfaction comparable to in-person sessions. Baumeister observed,
“I was struck that studies showed patients thought video therapy worked as well or almost as well as in person when their engagement levels were high. There may even be a bit of benefit in that people seem less inhibited talking about their problems in video therapy.”
Nevertheless, the researchers caution that while technology offers undeniable benefits, it comes with costs. Bushman stated,
“Humans were shaped by evolution to be highly social. But many of the benefits of social interactions are lost or reduced when you interact with people who are not present with you.”
This sentiment echoes historical concerns about technology’s impact on human communication, dating back to the early days of the telephone.
The paper, co-authored by Michaela Bibby of Harvard University and Dianne Tice of Brigham Young University, concludes with a reminder of the long history of skepticism towards technological advances. The authors wrote,
“There is a long history of unconfirmed predictions that various innovations will bring disaster, so one must be skeptical of alarmist projections. Then again, the early returns are not encouraging.”
As society continues to navigate the integration of technology into daily life, this review serves as a crucial reminder of the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions and the need to balance digital communication with personal contact.
