Online vs. In-Person Communication: What Our Preferences Say About Us
Why do some people thrive in Zoom meetings while others find them soul-crushing? Or why do some love remote work, while others can’t wait to get back to the office?
I recently ran a LinkedIn poll asking whether people prefer online or in-person communication, and the results were fascinating — 57% favored online. While this reflects our increasingly digital world, it raises a bigger question: What do our communication preferences really say about us?
Who Prefers What?
Our communication preferences aren’t just about convenience; they’re shaped by our personalities, work styles, and even neurological wiring. Here’s a breakdown of who tends to prefer each mode of communication:
- Introverts vs. Extroverts
Though the whole “introvert vs. extrovert” label can oversimplify things, it reveals some interesting trends. Introverts often gravitate toward online communication because it gives them more control, reduces overstimulation, and lets them process their thoughts before responding. No pressure to fire off quick comebacks in real time. Extroverts, however, thrive in in-person environments. They feed off real-time interaction, pick up on social cues effortlessly, and enjoy dynamic engagement.
2. Neurodivergent Individuals
People with ADHD, autism, social anxiety, or auditory processing challenges often prefer online communication, where they can opt for written exchanges, control sensory input, and take their time processing conversations. That said, video calls can be exhausting — staring at a screen, juggling multiple voices, and deciphering subtle cues without the benefit of full-body language can be a mental marathon.
3. Younger vs. Older Generations
Gen Z and Millennials, raised on digital platforms, tend to prefer asynchronous communication (email, Slack, WhatsApp) over phone calls or meetings. Efficiency and flexibility beat formality any day. Boomers and Gen X, on the other hand, often value in-person or phone communication, seeing it as key to building trust and strong relationships.
4. Creative vs. Analytical Thinkers
Creative professionals (artists, designers, marketers) enjoy remote settings where they can deep-focus without office distractions, but they still appreciate the occasional collaborative brainstorm. Analytical roles (finance, law, engineering) often require structured environments that encourage quick decision-making and collaboration — and that usually means in-person interaction.
5. Leadership vs. Individual Contributors
Executives and managers lean toward in-person interactions, seeing them as essential for company culture, networking, and leading teams effectively. Individual contributors (writers, developers) tend to favor remote work for fewer distractions and better work-life balance.
6. Task-Oriented vs. Relationship-Oriented Professionals
People in task-heavy roles (programmers, accountants) often prefer online work where they can focus without constant interruptions. Those in relationship-driven roles (sales, HR, therapists) thrive on in-person meetings, where they can read emotions, build trust, and engage more deeply.
The Science Behind Our Preferences
While personal tendencies shape our choices, research uncovers universal truths about how we experience online vs. in-person communication.
Zoom Fatigue is Real
Stanford researcher Jeremy Bailenson coined the term Zoom Fatigue to describe why video calls drain us. Unlike in-person meetings, virtual communication forces us to deal with:
- Excessive eye contact, making us feel like we’re under constant scrutiny.
- Cognitive overload, as we work harder to interpret body language through a screen.
- Reduced mobility, since sitting in the same spot for hours isn’t exactly natural.
The Paradox of Connectivity
Sherry Turkle, author of Reclaiming Conversation, argues that while digital communication keeps us more connected, it often leads to shallower interactions. We’re always “available,” but not necessarily present.
The future isn’t about a battle between online and in-person — it’s about balance. In-person interactions foster trust and connection, but online communication offers flexibility and efficiency. The key is figuring out what works best for you.
Are you team Zoom or team face-to-face? Or, like many, are you somewhere in between?
