We are living in a world where social interaction is on a scary decrease

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

When you see someone eating food, hanging out with friends, sitting in a car, walking down the street, or practically doing anything, what are they most likely doing? They’re on their smartphones. It’s almost as if the device is glued to their hand! The extensive hours that the majority of people dedicate to their devices, particularly on social media platforms, takes time away from face-to-face communication and in-person activities. When they’re out with the people they are messaging online, they’re still on their phones. The question is, how are people getting any proper social interaction? They are not.

Some ways cellphones have negatively impacted social skills are reduced face-to-face communication, decreased ability to read non-verbal cues, shortened attention spans, increased isolation, limited empathy development, impaired conversation skills, reduced social confidence, dependency on technology, and diminished social etiquette. Recognizing these impacts prompts a need for consideration of our device usage and its effects on our social interactions.

When we engage in face-to-face communication, social information is conveyed by vocal and visual cues. Non-verbal communication (facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice, posture, space between individuals, etc.) is an important part of communicating. However, online, these non-verbal forms of communication and cues are not delivered. This leads to a growing lack of understanding when it comes to social aspects of communicating.

In a recent study, a group of teenagers spent five days in a camp without access to any devices and being limited to only in-person interaction, while another group stayed at home and used their screens regularly. The teenagers’ in-person interaction improved significantly in terms of reading facial emotions, while the other group’s skills remained the same. The results suggest that digital screen time, even when used for social interaction, can reduce the time spent developing skills to read non-verbal cues of human emotion. These overall decreases social skills in all settings such as communicating with families, classmates, colleagues, and romantic partners.

Constant device usage not only impacts individual social skills, but also alters how people connect with each other. Quick texts and social media posts can’t replace the richness of face-to-face conversations. This may lead to weaker emotional bonds and less meaningful relationships, especially amongst teenagers that are still learning how to navigate social interactions. Teenagers spending significant time on devices report lower satisfaction in their in-person relationships, which draws a connection between how devices negatively impact the ability to maintain strong connections in real life.

The constant use of devices in everyday life has led to a concerning amount of negative social consequences. From reduced face-to-face communication to impaired non-verbal communication skills, the pervasive use of devices has fundamentally altered the way people interact. The dependence on online-communication diminished the depth of authenticity of relationships, and open-communication. We are living in a world where social interaction is on a scary decrease, and with the new and addicted generation, emotional development and social connection is at risk.