Individual guideline

Seek out face-to-face interactions and use technology wisely

Technology is an important tool for facilitating social interactions, but it is important to ensure that we do not replace face-to-face connections with online ones.

  • Ensure you have plenty of opportunities for face-to-face, in-person social interactions with others.
  • When using technology, use tools and platforms that benefit and strengthen your relationships with others, such as those that help you organize social activities or interact meaningfully with others while you are apart.
  • Limit passive use of technologies when they reduce your social contact with others, distract from social interactions, monopolize your time and attention, or negatively impact how you feel about yourself or others.
Guys hanging out by the water.People playing musical instrumentsThree people interacting with a phone

Rationale

Technology plays a significant role in our social lives today, helping us stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues, regardless of physical distance. Through platforms like video calls, messaging apps, and social media, we can maintain bonds, share important moments, and keep our relationships vibrant. However, it’s essential to ensure that technology does not replace face-to-face interactions, which are uniquely powerful for our mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. In-person connections allow us to communicate more genuinely, offering nuanced forms of emotional support, trust, and understanding that are more challenging to replicate digitally. Studies consistently show that face-to-face interactions release bonding hormones, reduce stress, and meet our social needs in ways that are difficult to achieve through screens alone.

While technology can enhance our relationships by helping us keep in touch and organizing real-world gatherings, it’s important to use it in ways that reinforce rather than substitute these valuable in-person connections. Tools like video calls or shared event planners, for example, can be invaluable for connecting across distances, but we should be mindful of the potential downsides of excessive technology use. When we rely too heavily on digital interactions, we may miss out on the richness of in-person social cues, body language, and the shared experiences that come from being physically present with others. Furthermore, overuse of technology, particularly passive scrolling on social media, can detract from our social lives by distracting us from meaningful connections, monopolizing our time, or even creating feelings of inadequacy and comparison that negatively impact self-esteem.

Maintaining a healthy balance requires mindfulness and intention in our use of technology. By limiting passive or unproductive use, we can prevent it from overshadowing the real-world connections that form the foundation of our social support networks. This balance involves setting boundaries on technology use, such as putting devices away during social gatherings, carving out screen-free time to engage fully with loved ones, and choosing platforms that genuinely enhance rather than disrupt our social lives. In this way, technology can serve as a tool to foster connection rather than a distraction from it.

Ultimately, prioritizing face-to-face interactions while using technology judiciously supports deeper, more fulfilling connections with those around us. This approach not only enriches our individual social wellbeing but also helps cultivate stronger, more connected communities. By being deliberate about how and when we use technology, we can enjoy the best of both worlds—leveraging digital tools to stay connected when needed, while maintaining the vital in-person interactions that keep our relationships and communities resilient, fulfilling, and strong.

Read more about this guideline

Related Evidence Briefs

Want to learn more? You might find these supporting evidence briefs interesting.

For a full list of evidence briefs, visit our Evidence Library.

Case Studies

Looking for some inspiration on how to get started with this guideline? Check out these case studies:

For a full list of case studies, visit our Case Study Repository.

Supporting Research

Decades of research support this guideline. Check out these key studies:

Want to read more of the research supporting this guideline? Check out our Research Studies Collection.

Additional considerations

In-person and virtual forms of social interaction each offer unique benefits, though they differ significantly in their impact on human connection. In-person interactions are deeply enriched by non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and physical touch—elements that are integral to human communication. Sharing physical spaces also allows for a more profound bonding experience, whether it's through activities, meals, or simply being in the same environment. These aspects make personal proximity a critical characteristic of fulfilling human social life.

However, technology can sometimes interfere with these natural interactions. The distractions presented by smartphones, tablets, and other devices can detract from the quality of face-to-face communications. Moreover, the convenience of digital interactions might lead people to opt for these easier, less emotionally demanding types of communication, such as texting or social media, over more meaningful in-person engagements. While technologies like television, telephone, and social media platforms have long been critiqued for contributing to a more isolated and less engaged society, their impact varies based on how they are used.

Despite these challenges, technology also plays a key role in facilitating connections that might otherwise be impossible. For individuals with disabilities, digital technologies can be a lifeline to the outside world, providing avenues for social interaction and community building that are not limited by physical mobility. Similarly, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community often find support and kinship online, particularly when local in-person resources are lacking or non-inclusive.

Thus, the tension between in-person and digital interactions is less about the inherent qualities of these technologies and more about how they are utilized. When used thoughtfully and intentionally, digital tools can complement in-person interactions, helping bridge gaps in physical distance and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be isolated. Balancing these tools with the irreplaceable benefits of face-to-face connections is key to maintaining a healthy social life in a digitally connected world.

Additional resources

  • The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

    Highlights concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health, including risks like cyberbullying and anxiety. It calls for action from parents, educators, policymakers, and social media companies to create safer online environments.

  • AGE-WELL

    Canada's technology and aging network, supporting innovations that improve the quality of life for older adults. It fosters collaboration among researchers, industry, and users to develop technologies and services that enhance seniors' wellbeing and independence.

  • Connected Canadians

    A nonprofit organization that provides free technology training to older adults in Canada. It aims to bridge the digital divide and reduce social isolation by empowering seniors with digital literacy skills.

  • The CARL Digital Literacy Framework

    By the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, supports digital literacy in higher education. It outlines competencies in discovering, evaluating, and using digital information, promoting ethical participation in digital environments.

  • Screen Time (iOS) and Digital Wellbeing (Android)

    Built-in tools for smartphones that track app usage, screen time, and the frequency of phone pickups. These tools help users understand their patterns and set limits for specific apps or categories of apps.

  • StayFocused

    A productivity extension for Google Chrome that helps you stay focused on work by restricting the amount of time you can spend on time-wasting websites.

  • OOT Social Health

    Addresses workforce disengagement by connecting employees through face-to-face interactions based on shared interests and proximity. It aims to enhance employee engagement, collaboration, and satisfaction in the workplace.

  • Snapchat

    A multimedia messaging app known for its disappearing messages, playful features, and real-time communication. Popular among younger users, it offers a unique approach to digital social interaction through photos, videos, Stories, and augmented reality effects.

  • Facebook Messenger

    A messaging app that offers instant messaging, voice and video calls, and media sharing. It includes features like group chats and interactive stickers, making it a versatile tool for personal and group connections.

  • WhatsApp

    A messaging app that enables text, voice, and video communication with end-to-end encryption. It is widely used for secure personal and group communication, offering features like group chats, status updates, and location sharing.

  • Kinsome

    A digital platform designed to foster relationships between grandparents and grandchildren through Kinzey, an AI chatbot. It facilitates meaningful conversations and helps maintain strong family bonds despite physical distances and busy schedules.