Every day, we scroll through news feeds, read thousands of words, listen to voice messages, like posts, and write comments. A real face-to-face meeting has become almost a luxury for many of us. Think back to the last time you interacted with someone while looking them in the eyes. When was the last time you felt a gaze that said more than words? In a world where live communication is replaced by texts and emojis, we are increasingly left with ourselves and our smartphone screens. What are the consequences? Let’s figure it out together in this article.
What the body loses in digital communication:
Social networks, messengers, and dating apps deprive us of the most important thing: the ability to feel human warmth. Although we see a person’s photo on the screen and hear their voice in a voice message, it’s simply not enough. Emojis cannot replace a genuine smile, and stickers cannot substitute a warm hug. Communication on the internet is a type of semifinished product. We don’t truly feel one another, even when we interact with each other.
In a conversation, it’s not the words that matter. What plays a more significant role is how a person speaks, their facial expressions, and what can be “read” in their eyes at that moment. Online communication is like a 2D image; there are no accidental touches, no eye contact, and no genuine facial expressions.
Attempts to bring back the live experience
Humans are social beings by nature. It is important for us to feel like part of a community, to be close to others, and to know that we are needed by someone. The need for live contact is ingrained in us from birth. Although technology allows us to meet and communicate without leaving our homes, we still require physical presence by all means. On a subconscious level, we seek opportunities to meet in person to experience a different spectrum of emotions.
Fortunately, app developers understand this. At least, they are partially trying to bring back the feeling of live communication. New applications and online services are becoming increasingly interactive; they allow for text chatting and seeing the chat partner’s face, hearing their voice, watching movies together, playing games, or having online dates. These are an attempt to preserve the most important aspect of human relationships: the sense of closeness.
Online theatres
The popularity of online theatres peaked during the Coronavirus pandemic. At that time, the entire world was on lockdown, and people were looking for ways to entertain themselves without leaving their homes. This became possible because of modern technology; theatres began to hold online performances, streaming them on YouTube or specialised websites.
Online performances restored to viewers the feeling of being present in a real theatre, even if it was through a screen. They became a true salvation for those who missed the stage, applause, and the unique magic of theatre. Thanks to technology, audiences from different corners of the world had the opportunity to watch performances from theatres that they could not visit physically.
Video chats
Another way to bring back the feeling of presence is through cam chats like InstaCams. This format has become popular for its live emotions. In text communication, much is lost: the tone of voice, the gestures, and the reactions to your words. However, in a video chat roulette, you can see, hear, and feel to a large extent.
Another reason why many people enjoy this format is the opportunity to see someone as they truly are. When communicating online, many of us create an idealised image of the chat partner in our heads. However, when we finally meet in person, we may be disappointed when our expectations do not match reality.
In addition, it is easy to pretend to be someone else on the Internet. You can carefully think through each of your lines and post only retouched photos. You can get rid of illusions while communicating via video in InstaCams or https://coomeet.com/instacams. In addition, communication in a live video chat is an excellent test of compatibility. You can immediately understand whether you like communicating with a person and whether there is that “chemistry” between you that is important in a relationship.
Also, random video chats will appeal to those looking for light and casual communication. There is no need to register, fill out a profile, or upload photos. You only need to launch the chat on your computer or phone and hit the “Start” button. Subsequently, the system will automatically connect you with a random chat partner. It is impossible to predict who will be on the other side of the screen; each connection is completely random. However, for example, in CooMeet, the system connects users only with the opposite gender.
Why it is inconvenient but necessary:
Many people are afraid to transition communication from online to offline, and this is understandable. In live communication, there can be awkward pauses and uncomfortable moments where someone might say something inappropriate or make an ill-timed joke. However, that is what real life is about. When communicating online, we feel safe. We can carefully consider every word, hide behind avatars and nicknames, and conceal our true emotions behind emojis.
However, online communication is often predictable and “sterile.” The tremor in someone’s voice, the averted gaze due to shyness, and the brief pause. These elements make interactions lively and genuine. Moreover, meeting in real life serves as a kind of test to see if you are ready to take the next step. We can fantasise about a shared future while communicating online, but in reality, it may turn out that your partner is not ready for such. Therefore, if you like someone, don’t be afraid to transition your communication from online to offline. Suggest meeting somewhere safe and spend time together. We are confident that an hour-long meeting in person will provide you with many days of texting online.
Don’t miss the opportunity to live truly
The digital world often consists of background noise and forced smiles. We have become accustomed to living online, with short messages and sublimated emotions. However, it is important to understand that not every conversation is genuine communication. Social networks and messengers create an illusion of closeness, while in reality, they leave us with just ourselves. Therefore, it is completely normal to feel a longing for the faces and voices of other people.
This is not a weakness, but a reminder that a person needs another person for joy, support, and to feel alive. Therefore, don’t miss the opportunity to look each other in the eyes, even if it’s through a screen. Choose video communication over texting, and opt for in-person meetings. A few minutes of genuine face-to-face interaction can brighten your day and remind you that you are not alone. Give yourself what no chat can give you: real human warmth.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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