It’s often said that digital technology in the form of computers and mobile devices has made us less social. The art of conversation, as they say, is dead. Although it’s hard to paint an accurate picture with statistics, surveys do suggest that face-to-face interactions are on the decline. For example, a survey carried out for Newsweek in 2023 found that 42% of people describe themselves as “less sociable” than they did in 2019.
It Seems Like We’re Less Social, but We’re Not
That seems like a contradiction, given that social media has become the central focus of most people’s lives. Indeed, data from GWI shows that daily, the average social media user spent 2 hours and 33 minutes on their preferred platforms in 2023. Some people would say that social media isn’t social. It’s passive rather than active, and interactions are fleeting and often add little positive value to our lives.
However, if we step away from social media, it’s possible to argue that we’re just as social. Take, for example, a game like bingo. Even though live bingo halls have fallen out of favor, there are plenty of games taking place online. What’s notable about online bingo games such as Deal or No Deal and Cash Cubes is that they have chat facilities.
Essentially, people can post comments while they play. This retains the social aspect of bingo. Chat boxes are also a way for operators to run bonus games and prize giveaways. All of these features create a sense of interaction, which goes against the idea that digital technology has made us less social.
Shared Experiences Keep Us Social
Beyond bingo, other games, including online poker, give people ways to interact in the digital universe. Then, if we turn away from games, streaming is another way for people to socialize online. Tune into any popular Twitch channel or YouTube, and there will be people sharing ideas, opinions, and everything in between. Add in the fact that you’ve got a form of entertainment thrown into the mix, and streams have become meeting places for people who desire online interactions.
The ultimate example of digital technology’s power to retain the social side of life is virtual reality (VR). We’re not quite there yet, but VR technology will make it extremely easy to connect with people around the world in seconds. Some people argue that virtual interactions aren’t the same as physical interactions. There may be truth in that, but there’s no doubt that VR chat rooms will bring people together. We also can’t forget about VR games such as Second Life. This brings us back to the synergistic relationship between entertainment and socialization.
What all of these examples show, in our view, is that digital technology hasn’t killed the social aspect of life. Yes, we might be going out less than we used to, but that’s because we’ve got more options. Gone are the days when all we had were books and conversations. We now can connect with people anywhere in the world whenever we want. So, while the medium is different, the reality is that we’re just as social as we’ve always been.
Disclaimer: The article may mention gambling, including online bingo. It is worth noting that any form of gambling can be addictive and may lead to financial difficulties. Please gamble responsibly and seek help if needed. For assistance, contact a gambling helpline or support organization in your area.
Featured image by freepik.