Jim KwikFounder, Kwik Brain · Brain Coach

Online vs Offline Communication: Which is better?

7 Jul 2023 · 1 min

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Digital communication lets you stay connected across distance, but it doesn't trigger the same physical response as in-person contact. A hug releases more oxytocin than a text or video call. Technology works best as a supplement to face-to-face interaction, not a replacement for it.

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Is there a difference between FaceTiming somebody or actually being shoulder to shoulder? There is a distinction, and I don't want to completely ignore the value of digital interactions because FaceTime, for instance, is a wonderful tool for my daughters to connect with their grandparents who live on a completely opposite coast. But I also don't want it to be a substitute for when someone's, you know, really going through it, really in need of emotional response. Because there are studies that show that when someone gets a text message from someone that's saying, I'm thinking about you, is everything okay? It doesn't have the same impact as when a parent is giving them a hug and leaning in and asking how they're doing. It doesn't create the same oxytocin response in the body, and not all connection is created equal. So I think we need to leverage technology where it makes sense, but also be mindful that it's not a replacement for human interaction.