Closing Commentary: Is Technology Making Us More Disconnected?

In many ways, lack of social connection seems ironic given the hyperconnectedness that today’s technology creates. Shouldn’t our ready access to any number of social networks be increasing our sense of connection? Unfortunately, the ubiquity of our smartphones may mean that our social skills and relationships will suffer. ¹ It seems that even the mere presence of a mobile device can impact the quality of face-to-face conversation. ² In one study, ³ 100 pairs of adult coffee shop customers were randomly assigned to discuss a meaningful topic (the most meaningful events of the past year) or a casual topic (plastic Christmas trees) for 10 minutes. Trained observers recorded all nonverbal behaviors, including whether any mobile device was placed on the table or held in a participant’s hands during the 10-minute dialogue. Participants then completed an assessment of the empathic concern expressed by their conversation partner and feelings of interpersonal connectedness. Among the pairs where there was a mobile device present (n = 29), there were lower rates of connectedness and empathic concern. The authors suggested that the results may be due in part to the fact that our devices act as a symbol of our social network that constrain our in-person interactions by drawing our attention well beyond our immediate surroundings. ³

Further support for that hypothesis emerged from a recent study in which 302 participants were randomized to dine in a cafe with or without their phones. ⁴ Participants in the “phone” condition reported significantly less interest in and enjoyment of the dining experience, as well as more distraction and boredom than those who had been randomized to dine sans phone. More in-depth mediation analyses revealed that the adverse impact of the phone on interest and enjoyment was attributable in part to the increased distraction they experienced. The results were replicated in a follow-up study involving ecological momentary assessment of the experiences in the previous 15 minutes among 123 university students surveyed at random intervals 5 times a day over the course of a week. Phone use during face-to-face social interactions was associated with reduced interest and enjoyment, as well as more negative affect, feelings of being less socially connected, and increased boredom. The effects were once again mediated by distraction. ⁴

Equally concerning is that social media use may contribute to social isolation, loneliness, and decreased well-being. Research on nearly 1800 young adults aged 18 to 32 years indicates that high rates of social media use (more than 2 hours per day) are associated with a significantly higher likelihood of perceived social isolation (eg, “I feel isolated”; “I feel that people around me but not with me”) than low levels of social media use (0-30 min/d). ⁵ Others have reported that higher rates of online interactions (eg, Facebook, chat rooms, online games, dating sites) are also associated with higher rates of loneliness. Conversely, higher rates of face-to-face interactions were associated with decreased rates of loneliness. ⁶ Eerily similar findings emerged from a recent longitudinal study of Facebook utilization and overall well-being. ⁷ The researchers combined Facebook data with nationally representative Gallup Panel Social Network Study survey data for over 5,000 participants. Utilization of Facebook was negatively associated with well-being. There was a 5% to 8% reduction in self-reported mental health for each standard deviation increase in Facebook use. The decrement in well-being was similar or higher than the beneficial boost in well-being that resulted from in-person interactions.

Shall we conclude then, that social media use and smartphones are to blame for the loneliness epidemic? In short, no. If used as a tool to create meaningful in-person interactions, they may well have a place in fostering connection. ⁶ But these data do weave a cautionary tale about relying on these virtual networks and allowing our phones to hijack our attention. We have to be vigilant about the possible tradeoffs between in-person and online interactions ⁷ and about giving people our full attention during those interactions. Recalling what we learned earlier in this issue about the question the Native American shaman posed to the sick, it may well be that listening to the stories of others is a kind of water that breaks the fever of isolation. ⁸