New research from Yale University reveals that Zoom conversations don’t engage the human brain in the same way as face-to-face interactions, shedding light on the unique neural responses during online communication. The study underscores the importance of in-person communication for natural human interaction and social engagement.
The research, led by neuroscientist Joy Hirsch, indicates that the social systems of the human brain are more active during in-person encounters compared to zoom interactions. Online representations of faces, despite being real people, do not have the same “privileged access” to the social neural circuitry in the brain.
COMPARATIVE STUDY DESIGN
The study, involving 28 healthy adults with various demographics, employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalography (EEG), and eye tracking to record brain and eye activity during conversations. It compared the neural responses of individuals engaged in real-time face-to-face discussions with those participating in Zoom video chats. To maintain consistency in the study, the same conversation partners were used for both conditions, ensuring that social biases or familiarity didn’t affect the results.
ENHANCED BRAIN SIGNALING IN FACE-TO-FACE CONVERSATIONS
Face-to-face conversations were associated with greater increases in brain signalling in the dorsal-parietal region. Brain wave activity demonstrated theta oscillations linked to better face processing during in-person interactions. Additionally, brain regions tied to sensory processing and spatial perception indicated more nuanced observations of real-life faces, and extended eye contact periods were observed in eye tracking data.
INCREASED MUTUAL EXCHANGE OF SOCIAL CUES
Brain scans from individuals engaged in face-to-face conversations revealed higher levels of synchronized neural activity, suggesting an enhanced mutual exchange of social cues during in-person interactions. The natural social dynamics that occur spontaneously in face-to-face interactions appeared less apparent or even absent during Zoom encounters.
TECHNOLOGICAL LIMITATIONS AND HUMAN SOCIAL NATURE
The research suggests that the distinctive factor setting face-to-face interactions apart from virtual ones is the way individuals look at each other. Technological constraints may underlie the observed differences. Webcams, even with high-resolution cameras, make maintaining eye contact challenging, as looking at the camera to meet the partner’s eyes prevents focusing on the screen and their eyes. Participants in the study were diverse, but a larger sample may provide more comprehensive insights.
The study emphasizes the fundamental importance of social interaction, recognizing that humans are inherently social creatures with brains adapted to process dynamic facial cues encountered in everyday interactions with others.
Hirsch concludes: “Zoom appears to be an impoverished social communication system relative to in-person conditions.” This research highlights the unique neural responses in online communication, emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions for natural human engagement.
