In an era dominated by digital communication, a comprehensive review of over 1,000 studies has highlighted a critical downside: technology-mediated interactions, while better than no communication at all, fall short of the benefits offered by face-to-face encounters. The findings, published on January 6, 2026, in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, underscore the diminished emotional engagement and positive responses experienced when people connect through screens rather than in person.
Brad Bushman, a co-author of the study and a professor of communication at The Ohio State University, emphasized the clear results. “If there is no other choice than computer-mediated communication, then it is certainly better than nothing,” Bushman stated. “But if there is a possibility of meeting in person, then using technology instead is a poor substitute.”
The Impact of Digital Communication
Lead author Roy Baumeister, a psychology professor at the University of Queensland, noted the permanence of electronic communication in modern life. “Electronic communication is here to stay, so we need to learn how to integrate it into our lives. But if it replaces live interactions, you’re going to be missing some important benefits and probably be less fulfilled,” he explained. The research highlights the crucial role of social interactions for both psychological and physical health, raising questions about the implications of “socializing alone” through technology.
To explore these implications, the researchers conducted a narrative review of 1,158 studies comparing “face-to-face” and “computer-mediated” communication. The main finding was a reduction in impact and engagement when socializing through technology, as opposed to physical interactions. Positive emotional responses, notably, were lessened when using smartphones, computers, and tablets for communication.
Face-to-Face vs. Digital Interactions
A striking example of the superiority of in-person communication is the act of laughing. Bushman pointed out, “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.” Additionally, numerous studies indicated that educational outcomes were superior in traditional classroom settings compared to online learning environments, a trend observed during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote teaching became necessary.
While video calls proved more effective than texting in enhancing positive emotions, the research showed that the removal in both time and space inherent in texting and non-live communication diminishes their benefits. However, the results regarding negative emotions were mixed. Computer-mediated communication may alleviate some anxiety, particularly for shy individuals who prefer typing their thoughts into a chat box rather than speaking up in person.
The Dark Side of Digital Communication
Despite some advantages, the study also revealed a darker side to online interactions. People are more likely to express negative comments online than they would face-to-face, as inhibitions against harmful speech are reduced in digital environments. Overall, the research found that group dynamics, including learning, were less effective online than in person. Solitary socializers often do not process information as thoroughly as they do in face-to-face situations, potentially leading to poorer learning and decision-making in online groups.
Engagement levels were notably high in specific contexts, such as online psychotherapy, committed work environments, and romantic relationships. Baumeister noted, “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.”
Looking Ahead: Balancing Technology and Human Interaction
While the benefits of modern communication technology are undeniable in certain situations, the review highlights the costs associated with relying too heavily on digital interactions. Bushman remarked, “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.”
The researchers noted historical concerns about technology’s impact on human communication, recalling early 20th-century fears that the telephone would reduce in-person visits. “There is a long history of unconfirmed predictions that various innovations will bring disaster, so one must be skeptical of alarmist projections,” the authors wrote. “Then again, the early returns are not encouraging.”
As society continues to navigate the balance between digital and face-to-face interactions, this research serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable value of personal connections. The study’s co-authors, Michaela Bibby of Harvard University and Dianne Tice of Brigham Young University, contributed to this comprehensive analysis, urging a thoughtful integration of technology into our social lives.
