LETTERS: COMPARED with face-to-face interaction, digital communication lacks context and subtleties, resulting in misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication.
Relationships can be strained by misinterpreting emotions or intentions expressed in text-based conversations. Technology has brought about psychological and emotional effects that affect mental health.
Increased levels of anxiety, sadness and feelings of inadequacy correlate with excessive screen usage, social media comparisons and cyberbullying. Constant exposure to unrealistic online personas negatively affects mental health and self-worth, and the blurring of work and personal life increases stress too.
The reliance on digital communications has resulted in an emotional disconnect, making people feel alone and detached.
So preserving interpersonal connections depends on understanding technology to improve communication.
ASYRAF FUDIN
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
