KELOWNA, B.C. – Researchers at UBC Okanagan have found an actual smile or hug is still more powerful at communicating empathy than a texted emoji.
The findings from the research suggests that texting is not bad, but it’s just not as good as communicating in person, according to Dr. Susan Holtzman, assistant professor and lead investigator of the Health Psychology Laboratory at the UBCO, who has studied technology’s impact on 18- to 25-year-olds and their relationships.
Holtzman said because this age group has grown up with cellphones in their hands, they don’t see the possible negative impacts of the technology.
“They feel like it bonds them to their friends. They feel connected.”
But that tech connection is creating a population that is less in touch with people’s real feelings, she said.
“When you’re communicating with somebody over the phone, it’s harder to feel what they’re feeling,” said Holtzman.
People are more likely to say something over text that they wouldn’t feel comfortable saying face-to-face, which can be positive or negative, she said.
Holtzman said while texting can help break down barriers of communication, some people feel they can text anything with impunity because they won’t have to witness the reaction it causes in person.
“Once you have that face to face contact, empathy just becomes a lot more easy,” she said.
Holtzman and her study’s co-author Dr. Michael Woodworth will join Dr. Michelle Drouin from Indiana University and will be part of a panel presenting their latest findings on technology and social relationships Thursday, at Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts at 7 p.m. Register here to attend.
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