Generation WhatsApp: inter-brain synchrony during face-to-face and texting communication

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Social Psychology
• Communication Studies

Background:

• Texting is a dominant social interaction method, especially for youth.
• The impact of texting on social brain functioning remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate interbrain synchrony during face-to-face versus texting interactions.
• To explore the neural underpinnings of social communication modes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized hyperscanning electroencephalography (EEG) on 65 mother-adolescent dyads.
• Compared neural synchrony during live conversation versus texting in separate rooms.

Main Results:

• Both face-to-face and texting interactions demonstrated significant neural synchrony.
• Face-to-face communication showed stronger fronto-temporal interbrain connectivity compared to texting.
• Improved right-frontal connectivity correlated with increased behavioral synchrony in live interactions.

Conclusions:

• Technology-mediated communication enables synchronization across distances.
• Face-to-face interaction is superior for fostering deep interpersonal connection and social brain network development.
• The study highlights potential implications of pervasive texting on youth social development.