So close and yet so far - A study shows what we have been feeling all the time: Video calls make us feel lonelier than normal phone calls.
It's one thing if, for example, you only hear your grandma or grandchildren on the phone, but seeing them via a video call doesn't lead to greater emotional closeness, but paradoxically to a greater feeling of loneliness.
This is mainly because video conferencing only simulates a face-to-face encounter, which makes the distance from others even more conscious, says a study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas ( see HERE ).
“Sad replacement”
“A video conference is not a real replacement for interpersonal communication, both professionally and in private life. As a result, there is a lack of informal exchange in companies, which also damages the connection between employees and employers. Personal contact is also very important when negotiating new business. And in the private sector, Zoom and the like are just a sad substitute for real social interaction. In the Corona period, the use of such apps is mandatory, but it will not become the norm.”
says digitalization expert Thomas R. Köhler in an interview with pressetext .
Almost 2,000 Americans took part in the survey. Respondents primarily associated phone calls with low levels of stress and alleviation of loneliness. According to the researchers, this is mainly due to the possibility of engaging in other activities during the conversation.
Users always visible
Zoom conferences, on the other hand, cause stress and loneliness among those surveyed. According to the scientists, video calls require a lot of concentration, and the users are always visible through their camera, which makes the conversation significantly less relaxed. A recent study from Stanford University also found that constant eye contact tires users (press release reported: http://pte.com/news/20210225005 ).
In addition to phone calls, emails also reduce loneliness in older people. Respondents under the age of 29 are more likely to feel alone when they receive emails. Social media doesn't make survey participants lonely, but it does cause massive stress. In principle, according to the study, no digital communication can replace human contact.
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Source: press release
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Notes:
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