Communicating Online vs In Person: Could we see a return to the office?

By nature, human beings are social creatures. Socialising with others is crucial to survival. Although language and communication are always evolving, changes in recent years due to fast advancements in technology have caused a large cultural shift in how we communicate. Can online communications through social media platforms and instant messaging apps be as fulfilling as communication in person? And what are the implications of this for the world of work? This week, we explore how these social changes have come about, and consider whether we have truly adapted to these extreme changes.

A study in 2011 found that while communication in person could significantly improve wellbeing, online communication could not. Although a lot has changed since 2011, it is likely that this finding has not changed. During the lockdowns in the pandemic, many of us became aware of the need for real-life, face-to-face interaction. When in-person conversations weren’t possible, many people became aware of the “little things” that make face-to-face conversations all the more fulfilling. Yet, as social media and technology continue to develop, it brings about more changes to communication. Social media has made it possible to connect with others all over the globe and keep in contact with old friends. But why does online communication still feel less stimulating than an in-person conversation?

Key reasons why online communication isn’t the same:

• It promotes passive engagement: Online, particularly on social media, it is common to interact with people passively. Liking pictures, or emoji reacting to a message, is definitely not the same as having a conversation, where you are more likely to be truly focused and engaged.
• Conversations may be shallower: Similarly to passive engagement, conversations are typically shallower online, with conversations made as short as possible, and limited capacity to express yourself as you would verbally. It can take more effort to type out everything that you might say in real life, so conversations online tend to be shallower and less meaningful.
• Miscommunications: Online, it can be more difficult to pick up forms of non-verbal communication or to successfully interpret someone’s tone. This can cause disagreements or even confusion, much of which is avoidable in person.

In the workplace, all of these factors are significant too. As many people are now working remotely, new problems regarding communication have arisen. Online communication can put a strain on any business or individual, particularly because our reliance on the internet has risen so rapidly. For many people, this is a motivation to get back in the office, for more fulfilling, in-person communication.

Although online communication can have benefits of its own, one thing is clear – it’s not quite the same as a face-to-face conversation! Which do you prefer?