The Impact of In-Person and Online Social Interaction on Happiness: An Empirical Study on Social Connectivity and Well-Being

Social interaction is essential for human well-being, influencing both psychological and physiological health. While in-person interactions foster deeper emotional connections and social support, the increasing prevalence of digital communication raises questions about its impact on happiness. This study empirically examines the relationship between in-person and online social interactions and subjective well-being using survey data from 42 participants. The survey measured self-reported social interactions and happiness levels using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. A normality test revealed that happiness scores were non-normally distributed, leading to the use of Pearson correlation analysis. Results showed moderate to high positive correlations between both types of social interaction and happiness, with in-person interaction exhibiting a stronger correlation. This suggests that while digital communication contributes to well-being, it may not fully replace the psychological benefits of face-to-face interactions. These findings align with existing research emphasizing the importance of direct social engagement but also highlight the potential for online interactions to supplement social connectivity. Future studies should explore the quality of digital interactions, their long-term effects on well-being, and moderating factors such as personality traits and social anxiety. Understanding the balance between in-person and online interactions is crucial for fostering meaningful social connections and promoting well-being in an increasingly digital world.