This study, published online in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, examined whether the benefits of social connection come simply from interacting or whether being in the same physical space matters.

The researchers reviewed more than 1,000 studies comparing face-to-face interaction with computer-based communication. They found that online communication can offer some benefits and support in-person relationships, but fully replacing face-to-face interaction entirely comes with psychological costs.

While concerns about technology weakening social bonds have been discussed before, this study narrowed its focus to the experiences of socializing alone and participating in online group meetings. The researchers describe a growing trend of “solitary socializing” in which individuals engage with others virtually while remaining physically isolated. The review explored how these remote interactions may contribute to feelings of deprivation and reduced social connection.

The researchers also identified some benefits to socializing alone, and for Tice, it is sometimes preferable. She is completely deaf without her cochlear implants, which have presented challenges with face-to-face interactions in her teaching career.

“I have real trouble teaching in big classrooms because of the way they work. There’s an echo off the ceiling, and I have trouble hearing my students’ questions,” Tice said. “So, for me, Zoom is perfect because it has closed captioning and all the students talk right into their microphones, so I can pick up everything that’s being said where I otherwise couldn’t.”

For individuals with hearing impairments or those who are shy, the researchers found that online meetings encouraged greater participation. They can also help prevent groupthink, as people may feel more comfortable expressing alternative perspectives and less pressure to agree than they would in person.

Still, Tice noted that their research found more disadvantages than advantages to socializing alone online. Socializing through technology introduces an added level of uncertainty that is less prominent in face-to-face interactions, resulting in weaker social connections. The researchers noted, “Perhaps the most precise way of expressing the effect of lost information during CMC is that it heightens ambiguity.”

Without tone of voice, facial expressions or body language, people are often left to interpret messages like emails or direct messages on their own, which increases the likelihood of misunderstanding. Another factor that reduces connection among participants is self-view. The researchers found that seeing one’s own image on screen led people to evaluate themselves less favorably, lowering overall satisfaction with the interaction.

“I think the distraction is part of it — not just looking at ourselves and doing our email and so on, but that you are not all sharing the same environment,” Tice said. “If we’re all in the same room and somebody comes in and opens the door, we all stop and look. Whereas with online, these types of distractions are spread out more, so we can’t be sure that we’re all paying attention at the same time.”

While computer-mediated technology has played a revolutionary role in modern life, it is important not to let it replace in-person human interaction. Tice hopes this research will encourage people to rediscover the importance and value of being with others in the same room at the same time.

“We want to make sure that people don’t rely solely on socializing while alone. It can be a great way to stay connected, especially from far away. But if that’s all you do, then it’s clear that you are missing something.”

Other co-authors of the paper include Roy Baumeister and Michaela Bibby of Harvard University and Brad Bushman of Ohio State University.