Interpersonal Communication in the Future World | Celine Fitzgerald | TEDxCarletonUniversity

Summary

Seline Fitzgerald, a Psychology major at Carleton University, discusses the impact of online and interpersonal communication on well-being. She emphasizes the importance of non-verbal cues, which make up 93% of social communication, and contrasts this with the text-based nature of online platforms. Drawing from her personal experience and research, she suggests that online communication can lead to loneliness and stress, especially among young adults. Fitzgerald advises limiting online interactions, using the online world to enhance real-world connections, and practicing social skills in person to foster stronger relationships and avoid a lonely future.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The future of social communication is not solely online, as it can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
• 🗣️ Social communication is complex and diverse, with non-verbal cues making up 93% of the communication process.
• 👥 Online communication, being text-based, forces us to focus on the verbal component, which is only 7% of communication.
• 🤔 The reliance on online communication may be due to an inability to quickly pick up on non-verbal cues, affecting the quality of interactions.
• 🚫 Limiting online interactions and focusing on real-world connections can lead to increased happiness and reduced feelings of loneliness.
• 📱 Disconnecting from digital devices before bedtime can improve well-being by allowing for more focused real-world interactions.
• 🤝 Engaging in real-world social communication can lead to stronger, more meaningful relationships and a greater sense of belonging.
• 🧠 Research indicates that forcing oneself to be more extroverted in real-world settings can increase happiness.
• 🏫 University students and young adults may feel more lonely and stressed when communicating online due to the nature of online relationships.
• 💼 Online connections can lead to a sense of constant professionalism, which can be exhausting and create feelings of disconnection.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Seline Fitzgerald's talk?

The main theme of Seline Fitzgerald's talk is the impact of online communication versus interpersonal communication on wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of real-world interactions to avoid feelings of loneliness and stress.

What does Seline Fitzgerald suggest is the future of social communication according to popular opinion?

According to popular opinion, Seline Fitzgerald suggests that the future of social communication is online, which she argues can lead to a lonely future.

What are the two basic components of social communication as mentioned by Seline Fitzgerald?

The two basic components of social communication mentioned by Seline Fitzgerald are the verbal component, which deals with the words being said, and the non-verbal component, which includes everything else that influences communication, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

How much of social communication is non-verbal according to Dr. Marianian's research?

Dr. Marianian's research determined that the non-verbal component makes up 93% of the social communication process.

What demonstration does Seline Fitzgerald conduct to highlight the importance of non-verbal communication?

Seline Fitzgerald conducts a demonstration where she asks the audience to introduce themselves to someone they've never met before, using only one or two sentences, while focusing on non-verbal cues like smiling and tone of voice.

Why did Seline Fitzgerald initially turn to online communication when she moved to Cornwall, Ontario?

Seline Fitzgerald turned to online communication because she was an introvert and felt it would be easier to connect with others without the pressure of face-to-face interactions, and because popular opinion suggested that online communication could effectively mimic real-world interactions.

What was the outcome of Seline Fitzgerald's increased online connections?

Despite having hundreds of online connections, Seline Fitzgerald felt more disconnected, lonely, and stressed in the real world, leading her to eventually disconnect from online communication.

What resolution did Seline Fitzgerald make for the new year to improve her social connections?

For the new year, Seline Fitzgerald resolved to speak to one new person every day for the month of January on her bus route to improve her real-world social connections.

What research does Seline Fitzgerald cite to support her personal experience with online communication?

Seline Fitzgerald cites research from Carlton University, John Zinsky from the Happy Lab, and Dr. Michael Chan from the University of Hong Kong's School of Public Health, which suggests that people, especially those between the ages of 18 and 34, feel more lonely and stressed when communicating online due to the nature of online interactions and the weak tie relationships they foster.

What advice does Seline Fitzgerald give to limit the negative effects of online communication on wellbeing?

Seline Fitzgerald advises limiting online interactions, using the online world to foster real-world communications, and practicing social communication skills in real-world settings to enhance employability and overall wellbeing.