We live in an age of electronic communication, and the Internet does help us in a lot of ways. Yet
the fact that we have computers and smartphones readily available does not mean that we do not need
face-to-face communication any more.
Electronic technology has dramatically changed the ways we shop, work and communicate and has
brought about a myriad of benefits. From emails to instant messaging to Skype to social media, the
Internet has made our communication faster and easier than ever before. Besides, the cost of the
Internet communication is significantly lower than the traditional means of communication like
face-to-face meetings. The technology connects us to our online suppliers, colleagues in the
workplace, families and friends from all over the globe for just a small fraction of the cost
required of an offline meeting.
That being said, scientific evidence is mounting that the advent of digital technology is having a
detrimental effect on interpersonal relationships. Everything from body language and facial
expressions to attentiveness and engagement can indicate different thoughts and feelings-each of
which can only be truly observed through face-to-face communication. So, despite the clear upsides
of digital communication, there are circumstances under which there is no substitute for
face-to-face communication. Meanwhile, the complete dependence on the Internet for communication
may result in the sense of alienation and depression which will keep us apart from the rest of the
real world.
In conclusion, it is necessary to balance those Internet interactions with face-to-face
communication. It is hard to say how far the Internet would go, but face-to-face communication has
not yet been and never will be replaced by technology.