by Harsimar Kang, Contributing Author
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Singh, M. (16 May 2024). The Art of Socialization: Building Connections in a Digital Age
In a time where friendships can spark from a single ‘like’ or virtual high-five, parents may wonder “Can these digital bonds replace the warmth of face-to-face interactions?” In our post-pandemic world, technology has changed the way children and teens connect with others. After all, humans are naturally social creatures. Evolutionary science tells us that survival heavily relies on cooperation and connection with others – whether to defeat a common enemy or to harvest food. But in this digital age where we spend an increasing amount on screens the question arises if digital connections can fill this role for us in lieu of IRL friendships.
These digital friendships have their appeal – you can talk with friends at any time and any place, especially in the convenience of your own home. Furthermore, online communication is a platform to talk to those who may geographically be otherwise inaccessible. This broader social network is also key to connecting with like-minded peers. For example, youth who identify as part of minority groups may have a community that is nonexistent in their hometown, but vibrant online. And many kids may have unique interests – such as for specific fandoms or games, and they can find fellow fans in forums like Discord. This social media can foster a sense of belonging and self-expression.
To be fair, not all digital interactions are made equal. Online text chatting wherein there is a lack of body language and vocal cues is a different experience than video platforms. A Psychology Today article dives further into existing research on the topic. In one comparison of in-person versus computer-mediated interactions, in-person socializing was related to improved wellbeing and better adjustment. This builds on older studies that demonstrated how the physical presence of a person in social gatherings can trigger the release of oxytocin, which is a hormone associated with social bonding and stress reduction. The study of this hormone release in virtual settings is limited. However, the same Psychology Today article also noted that while face-face socializing gave the biggest mood boost, digital socializing was better than no socializing.
Let’s delve into why cultivating these social relationships is so important in the first place, evolution aside. A University of Oregon study from February 2024 examined whether social connectedness from school and the community mitigated the associations between mental health disorders and suicide risk in adolescents. As may be intuitively expected, factors such as higher school-based positive peer interactions, school safety, and neighborhood social connection levels were associated with reduced suicide attempt risk. Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) performed by the CDC gives more specifics. In 2023, 4 in 10 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness and 2 in 10 students seriously considered attempting suicide. Furthermore, nearly half of students (45%) reported that they did not feel close to people at their school. The implications of the study are that youth with mental health conditions may benefit from approaches that promote social connectedness and stronger community ties.
Based on this research, there appears to be benefit in a blended approach of balanced friendships. In-person friendships can contribute to emotional intelligence, empathy, physical bonding, and intangible development of social skills; all of which should be encouraged. However, this does not have to be at the expense of digital friendships, which can provide companionship that may otherwise be hard to gather. As in many parts of life, moderation is key.
References:
Berny, L.M., Mojekwu, F., Nichols, L.M. et al. Investigating the Interplay Between Mental Health Conditions and Social Connectedness on Suicide Risk: Findings from a Clinical Sample of Adolescents. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-023-01659-x
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.
Eisenhower, A., Taylor, H., Baker, B. L., & Suldo, S. (2016). Starting Strong: A School-Based Indicated Prevention Program During the Transition to Kindergarten. School Psychology Review, 45(2), 141–170. https://doi.org/10.17105/SPR45-2.141-170
How Do Digital and In-Person Interactions Affect Wellbeing? | Psychology Today. (2022, September 6). Psychology Today; Sussex Publishers, LLC. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/close-encounters/202209/how-do-digital-and-in-person-interactions-affect-wellbeing#:~:text=Many%20studies%20show%20that%20we,satisfying%20than%20their%20offline%20counterparts.
Uvnäs-Moberg K. (1998). Oxytocin may mediate the benefits of positive social interaction and emotions. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23(8), 819–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4530(98)00056-0
Singh, M. (2024, May 16). The Art of Socialization: Building Connections in a Digital Age. LinkedIn: Log In or Sign Up. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/art-socialization-building-connections-digital-age-mukesh-singh-cvtxc
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