A comprehensive review of 1,158 studies has analyzed the effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) compared to face-to-face interactions, identifying differences in engagement levels and emotional responses. Published on January 6, 2026, in Perspectives on Psychological Science, the research indicates that while digital communication offers an alternative when in-person interaction is not possible, it often presents reduced benefits in other contexts. The review also identified specific scenarios where digital communication demonstrates optimal performance.
Overview of the Review
The extensive review, encompassing 1,158 studies, investigated the distinctions between computer-mediated communication (CMC) and direct, in-person interactions. The findings were published online in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science on January 6, 2026.
The research was led by Roy Baumeister, a professor of psychology at the University of Queensland, and co-authored by Brad Bushman, a professor of communication at The Ohio State University. Additional co-authors included Michaela Bibby of Harvard University and Dianne Tice of Brigham Young University. The review explored the implications of communication conducted through technology, particularly when individuals interact while physically separated, a condition sometimes referred to as "socializing alone."
Engagement and Emotional Responses
A primary finding of the review was that impact and engagement levels were lower in social interactions facilitated by technology compared to interactions occurring in the physical presence of others. Positive emotional responses also showed reductions when communication involved smartphones, computers, and tablets.
For instance, studies indicated health benefits associated with vocalized laughter in in-person interactions, a benefit not observed when typing "LOL" in digital communication. The research also demonstrated that video calls correlated with higher positive emotional responses than text-based communication. The temporal and spatial separation inherent in texting and other non-live communication methods was identified as a factor contributing to reduced participant benefit.
Educational and Group Dynamics
Multiple studies within the review reported that educational outcomes were more favorable in in-person classroom settings compared to online learning environments. This observation included studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when online instruction was widely implemented.
Generally, the research concluded that online group dynamics, including learning processes, exhibited less effectiveness than their in-person counterparts. Numerous reviewed studies indicated that individuals engaged in solitary social interaction processed information less thoroughly than in face-to-face settings, correlating with observed lower engagement levels. This factor potentially contributes to reduced learning and decision-making efficacy in online group environments.
Effects on Negative Emotions and Inhibitions
The findings concerning negative emotions were varied. Computer-mediated communication demonstrated a potential to mitigate certain types of anxiety, with some individuals reporting shyness appearing to experience more comfort interacting online due to the ability to type responses in a chat format without drawing direct attention.
Conversely, the review indicated a reduction in inhibitions online, which correlated with an increased likelihood of expressing negative comments compared to in-person interactions.
Factors Influencing Online Communication Effectiveness
Computer-mediated communication was found to demonstrate optimal performance when participants exhibited high motivation for engagement and full participation. High engagement levels were frequently observed in contexts such as online psychotherapy, among highly committed professional teams, and between romantic partners.
Studies showed that patients sometimes perceived video therapy as comparable to in-person therapy when their engagement was elevated. This suggests a potential benefit where individuals may experience less inhibition in discussing personal issues via video therapy.
Conclusion and Historical Context
While acknowledging the benefits of modern communication technology in specific scenarios, the review consistently indicated that several benefits associated with social interactions are diminished or lost when interactions occur with individuals who are not physically present.
The researchers referenced historical precedents of concerns regarding technology's impact on human communication, noting apprehension among early 20th-century sociologists that the telephone might reduce in-person visits among neighbors. The authors stated that while skepticism regarding alarmist predictions about technological innovations is warranted, the initial observations regarding current communication impacts are not consistently positive.