Beyond the Screen: Reclaiming the Power of Face-to-Face Communication for Building Genuine Connections.
Image by Vitaly Grieve
Stars were still dotting the sky as my dog and I navigated the silent streets on our usual morning run recently, when I saw and heard a peculiar thing in the predawn shadows.
On the side of the road was a large object with small amber glowing lights emitting a rather loud hum. On closer inspection, I came to realize it was one of those driverless vehicles. It was, I suppose, just hanging out on our street waiting to be dispatched.
Funny, but my thought trail was not one of apprehension or the craziness of it all. This technology has been in progress for a long time.
At this point, I am all for replacing impaired drivers with Waymo vehicles. Statistics show that Waymo driverless cars have an 85% lower rate of any-injury crashes than human drivers.
No. My first thought was that this was yet another humanity roadblock to our human connectiveness brought on by technology and our rapidly progressing digital era.
I recall having the same thoughts as I have watched people sit at cubbies in airport restaurants, slide their credit card in a slot, order food and never look up from their phone as a robot delivered their food.
Is it just me or does anyone else find this incredibly sad?
In our technology driven world, we have become so accustomed to email, texting, social media and other forms of electronic communication, looking at screens has become ingrained behavior.
Technology has allowed us to accomplish a tremendous amount of good in this world. It has aided us in rapid, global communication options. But with too heavy of a reliance on it, it runs the risk of creating the opposite effect----becoming a hard barrier in human relationships. It can generate an illusion of connectiveness, ultimately creating more distance between people.
Sadly, studies are concluding that people’s lives are lonelier as tech-based communication overshadows in-person conversation especially in younger generations.
It is because of this I feel compelled to bring more awareness of the detrimental trade-offs that we are now up against.
Lost in Translation: How Digital Conversations Are Eroding Our Mental Health
There is no disputing that the COVID 19 pandemic plunged us further into digital communication. The physical isolation with loss of face-to-face interaction and the crucial relationship bonding it fosters harmed many people.
Studies show that the psychological impact of losing in-person communication includes:
1. Feelings of isolation and loneliness
2. Decreased social connection, belonging and security
3. Reduced emotional well-being
4. Increased anxiety and depression
5. Lower self-esteem
6. Reduced quality of life
The World Health Organization refers to this tech phenomenon as the, “modern plague”. They conclude that “young people are increasingly more narcissistic and aggressive, lacking many basic skills and discipline and tending to seek immediate gratification.”
Research into this trend is finding that our technology-raised generation is lacking in:
o Communication skills
o Social graces
o Grammar and spelling skills
o Empathy
o Altruism
o Patience
o Brain development
This hits hard. Heartbreaking really.
The Vanishing Conversation: Rediscovering the Power of In-Person Interaction
Let us back up a minute and reminisce about the dying art of face-to-face interaction.
Seeing the whole person we are speaking with fosters an authentic connection that no other method can replicate. It is generally agreed that much of our human communication consists of body language. Through the other person’s tone of voice, posture and facial expressions, we can better understand how they are feeling about what is being said. It is instant and honest feedback.
Communication that takes place over tech lacks substance. You never know at times when someone is serious, sarcastic or trying to be funny. Intentions can be easily misunderstood leading to unnecessary conflict and confusion. We all know how dangerous assumptions are.
Emojis can even be perplexing.
Has anyone besides me sent the wrong one?
Face-to-face conversations are especially important when dealing with delicate topics in order to convey empathy and avoid misunderstandings.
In-person communication nurtures a more effective, higher level of communication. It encourages more engagement, accountability and a more vibrant exchange of ideas.
Conversations held in person make it easier to solve problems. Think about it. It might take 10 emails over several days to hash out a minor issue that could have been resolved in 2 minutes face-to-face.
Lastly, physical presence and eye-contact builds strong relationships, promotes trust and a sense of community. Warmth, compassion, mutual understanding and the acceptance of differences are difficult to convey across a digital screen.
I admire machinery as much as any man, and I am as thankful to it as any man can be for what it does for us. But it will never be a substitute for the face of a man, with his soul in it, encouraging another man to be brave and true.
Reference to the electric telegraph, from The Wreck of the Golden Mary (1856) by Charles Dickens.
Reclaiming the Joy of Authentic Human Interactions
There is no doubt that technology has cemented its place in society and our daily lives. There is no going back.
In a world of digital distraction, polarization and at times isolation, face-to-face communication reminds us of the power and beauty of genuine human connection.
One final thought worth remembering:
We were created to be relational beings. We thrive on connection. The joy, purpose and meaning we experience in life are deeply rooted in the bonds we share—with our Creator and with one another.
So, lets cherish the moments when we can be fully present with each other, because these connections are where life’s true richness lies.