Importance of Face-to-Face Interaction
Introduction
Social media has often been thought of as a great alternative regarding ways to find new friends and interact. According to Bergland (2016), social media platforms have created methods in which people can have friends online and interact simultaneously. Most people are oblivious of the rising trend of communicating primarily through phones, complimenting Laurence Thomas' views on friendship (Chadwick, 2012). Laurence Thomas is right about encouraging face to face interactions to build friendships because they encourage closure, support, and trust. By encouraging closure, support, and trust through visual and physical contact, face to face interactions can be beneficial as they boost communication effectiveness, confidentiality, and better relationships.
It is critically important to consider face to face interactions among close friends so as to maintain healthy friendships and relationships. In order to explicate more on the importance of face to face interaction, it is essential to understand that we are living in an era where most people in urban areas mainly use cell phones to communicate. According to
Academic Writing Company, we are pushing physical contact out as a result of relying on chatting and texting. Human contact is slowly being replaced with social media, a worrying trend that I feel needs to be addressed. According to Thomas, face-to-face interactions add a certain ric
hness to life in general (Chadwick, 2012).
Enhancing Communication
Communicating via messaging may provide the sender with the ability to mask emotions and feelings, acting as a communication barrier in itself. According to Bergland (2016), Alvin Toffler accurately predicted in Future Shock on how communication would be negatively affected by technology. It is inarguable that media giants such as Facebook and Twitter have made it possible for friends to communicate anytime, social media is slowly pushing people into introversion by having a detrimental impact on human psychology. I agree with Thomas that it is vital for people to maintain physical contact during friendship. Eztalks (2017) states that according to relevant sources, body language accounts for 90% of our communication means. We are wired to communicate with our bodies, and that critical aspect is taken from us when social media gets into the picture. Tonal variations also aid immensely in communication, where the receiver can read between the lines. This scenario makes it easier for people to read between the lines and communicate more effectively.
Enhancing Confidentiality
Face to face communication eventually leads to bonding, making it easier for friends to confide in each other (Chadwick, 2012). Through sharing emotional moments, friends can enhance confidentiality and trust, two integral aspects of a growing bond between friends. Through improving confidentiality, friends can avoid stress and anxiety, adding more to Thomas' idea of "richness". Peace of mind is essential and through bonding, can lead to a significant reduction in stress levels. When Thomas explicates more on Aristotle's levels of friendship, he denotes the highest level as perfect friendship which is therapeutic, to say the least (Chadwick, 2012). Having a good friend as a close confidant is of great value to one's life.
Building Better Relationships
Face to Face communication leads to better relationships, and many researchers agree that maintaining close social ties with friends boosts a person's well-being (Bergland, 2016). Bonding comes naturally with face to face contact, and friends can understand each other better through interacting physically. As stated earlier, body language communicates where words fail. If a person is going through a tough phase and can share to his or her close confidant, a simple smile accompanied by uplifting words can help that person immensely. Such bonds create long-lasting friendships, making face-to-face interactions of paramount importance. Thomas affirms this, adding more by saying companion friendship may be dynamic but very important to the people involved.
Conclusion
Face-to-face interactions directly impact one's self-image and worth. Thomas notes that friendship is a dynamic relationship that can be very beneficial if taken seriously. I agree with him that people should encourage communicating physically rather than relying on social media applications to converse. I believe that face to face communication leads to more effectiveness in sharing thoughts, feelings and emotions in a way words can't. It is imperative that we consider real discussion as an integral aspect of relationships as it not only boost communication effectiveness, it also enhances confidentiality and trust.
References
Bergland, C. (19th Jan 2016). Maintaining Close Friendships Requires Face-to-Face Contact. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201601/maintaining-close-friendships-requires-face-face-contact
Chadwick, R. F. (2012). Encyclopedia of applied ethics. London: Academic.
Eztalks. (26th Aug 2017). What are the Benefits of Face to Face Communication? eZtalks. Retrieved from https://www.eztalks.com/unified-communications/what-are-the-benefits-of-face-to-face-communication.html
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