Digital Communication: Bridging Distances

Some people are turning to social media to get their fix of interactions with strangers. A November paper published in the journal Human Arenas commented on the boost in parasocial relationships - one-sided connec...

Digital tools are a weak substitute for a physical community. And screens don’t allow for touch, which is a powerful form of communication.

Physical contact, from friends, loved ones, even acquaintances and strangers, has the ability to lower cortisol levels and ease anxiety.

Consumers in the digital world give away a large part of their personal data. For example, we enter our age and credit card numbers, allow companies to track our behaviour, and often display our geographical location. 

However, customers are also becoming aware of the risks of their...