Generation Whatsup: Inter-Brain Synchrony during Face-to-Face and Texting Communication

Abstract

Texting has become one of the most prevalent ways to interact socially, particularly among youth; however, the effects of text messaging on social brain functioning are unknown. Guided by the biobehavioral synchrony frame, this pre-registered study utilized hyperscanning EEG to evaluate interbrain synchrony during face-to-face versus texting interactions. Participants included 65 mother-adolescent (M = 12.28 years, range 10–15) dyads, observed during face-to-face conversation compared to texting from different rooms. The results indicate that both face-to-face and texting communication elicit significant neural synchrony compared to surrogate data, demonstrating for the first time brain-to-brain synchrony during texting. Direct comparison between the two interactions pinpointed 8 fronto-temporal interbrain links that are unique to the face-to-face interaction, suggesting that partners jointly create a fronto-temporal network during live social exchanges. Improvement in the partners' right-frontal-right-frontal connectivity from texting to live interactions correlated with greater behavioral synchrony, linking this well-researched neural connection with greater specificity of face-to-face communication. The findings suggest that while technology-based communication allows humans to synchronize from afar, face-to-face interactions remain the superior mode of communication for interpersonal connection. We conclude by discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of the pervasive use of texting by youth.