Digital communication: How real connection is possible despite short messages
Quick Look
Sociologist Marie-Kristin Döbler from the Institute for Social Science Research in Munich explains that digital communication can avoid superficial conversations if users only respond with emojis, but real connection is possible if they respond to messages with personal interest and questions.
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Why It Matters
Many people don't have the time in their everyday lives for longer personal conversations such as coffee chats or extensive phone calls, which is why they often resort to messengers and social media to stay in touch.
Munich. A long coffee chat with your best friend, an extensive phone call with your parents: many people regularly don't have the time for this in their everyday lives. Messaging via messenger and social media is often an easier and quicker way to stay in touch with others.
But can we stay connected through this type of digital communication and have more than superficial conversations? Sociologist Marie-Kristin Döbler from the Institute for Social Science Research (ISF) in Munich sees digital communication not only as a problem, but also as an opportunity.
What matters, she says, is how you use it and whether people stick with a quick response or show genuine interest. Anyone who only reacts to a post or status with a heart, a thumbs up or a smiling face cannot expect a personal conversation to automatically develop. "Of course you're lost as a person if you're just one of many smileys that you leave behind. Because then it doesn't matter who it comes from and you become interchangeable," says Döbler.
If you want to show genuine interest, you can respond to a status message or a post on social networks with a personal question. This could lead to a conversation and perhaps a real encounter at some point.
“It’s always about how communication occurs, no matter in what form or medium,” says the sociologist. In her opinion, the most important advice for real exchange - whether online or offline: "Really get involved with the other person and show interest!"
Open Questions
- How does long-term use of short digital interactions affect the quality of friendships?
- Are there age differences in the ability to form deep connections through digital media?
- Which platforms are more likely to promote deep exchanges than others?
