A comprehensive review of more than 1,000 studies has confirmed that while digital communication is better than nothing, it remains a “poor substitute” for meeting in person, leaving users less engaged and less fulfilled.
The research, published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, analysed 1,158 studies comparing face-to-face interactions with “computer-mediated” communication. The findings highlight the downsides of “socialising alone” — the act of connecting with others while physically isolated.
“If there is no other choice than computer-mediated communication, then it is certainly better than nothing,” said Brad Bushman, Professor of Communication at Ohio State University. “But if there is a possibility of meeting in person, then using technology instead is a poor substitute.”
The ‘LOL’ deficit
One of the study’s most striking findings concerns laughter. While genuine laughter triggers measurable health benefits, the review found no evidence that digital substitutes deliver the same physiological boost.
“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,” Bushman noted.
The researchers identified a clear hierarchy of communication. Face-to-face interaction proved superior for engagement and positive emotion. Video calls, which retain some visual cues, ranked higher than texting, which researchers described as being “removed in both time and space”.
The review also found that educational outcomes were consistently superior in in-person classes compared to online alternatives. Solitary socialisers were found to process information less thoroughly, leading to poorer decision-making in online groups.
A boost for the shy
The digital world does offer advantages for specific groups. The study found that online interaction can reduce anxiety for shy people, allowing them to express themselves without the pressure of being the centre of attention.
Similarly, online psychotherapy was found to be effective when patient engagement was high, often because patients felt less inhibited discussing personal issues through a screen.
“Humans were shaped by evolution to be highly social,” Bushman concluded. “But many of the benefits of social interactions are lost or reduced when you interact with people who are not present with you.”
