Which type of communication helps you discover more about someone: a Facebook post or a face-to-face conversation?
When we communicate with others personally, we connect on a deep, more meaningful level; however, studies suggest a growing reliance on social media. Why?
Although social media is a simple way to communicate, it degrades the quality of the connection. Nevertheless, almost two-thirds of adults in the United States admit to using social media to connect.
Its ascent to popularity alters our ability to interact meaningfully with others. As a result, our social skills are being tested, and many people find it challenging to communicate in typical conversations.
Before social media, there were few options to connect and reach out to a large number of individuals. To strengthen relationships, we relied on phone conversations and face-to-face meetings.
On the plus side, modern technology allows you many methods to connect. We can also reach out to a lot more people than ever before. The drawback is that our communication style has evolved, challenging our ability to form meaningful connections.
According to one survey, 74% of Millennials prefer to communicate digitally instead of in person. However, while this allows people to speak more efficiently, it reduces the effectiveness of their message.
Individuals’ interpersonal communication abilities are deteriorating, even amongst couples as more people use digital communication.
Our hunger for quick bits of information has supplanted our ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly when communicating with others.
Information Binging
Consider how frequently you check your phone and social media. Our “fear of missing out” has resulted in negative behaviors that have rewired our interactions with one another.
According to several types of research, the growth of ADHD is directly related to the usage of the internet, as our brain easily loses concentration owing to constant demands for our attention.
One study discovered that heavy consumers of digital media were twice as likely as their colleagues to acquire ADHD, attributing such lack of attention to a constant, daylong stream of information.
It encourages us to process faster and wants more digital input. The more we have, the more we need to be satisfied.
Challenge on Communication Etiquette
Social media also puts our communication skills to the test. However, our need for efficiency has outweighed the disadvantages of digital communication.
Too often, people say whatever comes to mind without considering how the listener will interpret their tone and intent.
We forget that a person is on the other side of the screen. It has ultimately resulted in more misunderstandings and misunderstandings, endangering our relationships.
From Facebook to text messaging, comments are restricted to one- or two-sentence responses. While it has aided us in keeping messages brief and clear, it has come at the sacrifice of quality communication. Poor grammar is now the norm, and abbreviations and acronyms are prevalent.
Conversational Boredom
People have developed a dependence on their electronic devices. For example, a startling 62 percent of those polled admit using digital devices when socializing with others.
They are most likely unaware that the quality of their discussion and their capacity to interact meaningfully is being compromised.
One study looked at how mobile devices influence the quality of face-to-face social conversations. A handful of conversations done without digital gadgets were determined to be considerably superior to those conducted using technology.
It revealed that people who engaged in smartphone conversations were better listeners and more empathic to those who spoke.
Another study found that technology influenced intimacy, conversation quality, and connection, particularly when more relevant themes were discussed. For some it also led to depression at some stage.
How You can Take Control
Apply the following five steps to become more conscious of your digital addiction:
1. Schedule little chunks of time each day to monitor social media posts on your calendar. Please do not check-in outside of your allocated periods. It will keep you accountable for your online usage while encouraging traditional communication methods.
2. Leave your phone at home. Leave your phone at your desk during a meeting or presentation, whether you go to a coworker’s desk or the breakroom. It will make it simple to participate without interruption. When something is out of sight, it is out of mind.
3. Dedicate one day per week to being technology-free. Consider turning off all electronics one day a week — phones, laptops, and tablets. Make this a norm for everyone in the household. Make an effort to interact together in more personal ways.
4. Use an app to mute social media if you believe your social media use is approaching addiction or if you don’t feel strong enough to resist the impulse. Facebook Eradicator, for example, will completely quiet your news stream and assist you in gradually reprogramming your need to read.
5. Use the phone for its intended purpose. Instead of texting, call a friend. Meanwhile, instead of emailing, do a video call to a client. Instead of instant messaging, walk over to a coworker. Choose to use social media for a more intentional connection in either case.
Wrap up
There’s no doubt that social media has helped us connect with others. But unfortunately, we also can’t dispute its negative impact on our social skills, making us sluggish communicators and interfering with our desire for meaningful discourse.
However, by taking these five steps today, you can start refocusing your attention on actual conversational connections. We can change that right now by taking control of our technology use or becoming more intentional in our personal, face-to-face talks.
If you’re struggling with communication due to trauma, depression or a past live event, we strongly recommend that you consult a psychologist or see your doctor.