The Value of In-Person Social Interactions in an Increasingly Virtual World

The rise of digital communication has made it easier than ever to stay connected. With just a few taps, we can text, call, or video chat with someone across the globe.

This convenience has reshaped how we build and maintain relationships—but it also raises an important question: what are we losing when most of our interactions happen through a screen?

For many, especially those raising children in a fully digital age, there’s a growing concern: are we slowly losing our ability to connect in person?

Research offers some insight. A study by Liang and colleagues (2023) found that while virtual forms of communication—like texting, phone calls, and video chats—do support well-being, face-to-face interactions consistently have the strongest impact, both in the short and long term¹. In other words, digital connection helps, but it doesn’t fully replace the benefits of being physically present with others.

Why might that be?

In-person interactions engage a richer set of social cues. We interpret facial expressions, body language, posture, tone shifts, and even subtle things like eye contact and timing. These cues help us understand one another more deeply and respond more effectively. When most interactions are virtual, we simply get fewer opportunities to practice these skills.

Over time, this reduced practice may affect our confidence and ability to navigate in-person social situations. For children and teens—who are still developing these skills—the impact can be even more significant.

At the same time, modern life doesn’t always make in-person connection easy. Busy schedules, digital habits, and shifting social norms can all make face-to-face interaction feel less frequent—and sometimes, more challenging.

But here’s the encouraging part: social skills can be strengthened with intentional practice.

For parents looking to support their child’s social development, structured, in-person opportunities can make a meaningful difference. Here at The Conative Group, our skill-building groups—designed for elementary, upper elementary, and high school students—provide a supportive environment to practice real-world social interaction.

We also offer an in-person Adulting Group for young adults with ADHD and/or autism, focused on building practical social and life skills in a collaborative setting.

As our world continues to evolve digitally, making space for in-person connection isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

Reference

1. Liang, N., Grayson, S. J., Kussman, M., Mildner, J. N., & Tamir, D. (2023). In-Person and Virtual Social Interactions Improve Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/k2y7d