Face-To-Face vs. Online Communication from the Perspective of “Digital Youth”: Insights from Serbian Young Adolescents

Research into young people's use of social network sites reveals that social interaction is the primary motivator, as they rely on these platforms to stay connected and communicate with others. A study on Serbian high school students suggests that online communication, primarily texting, can enhance social interaction and connectivity more effectively than face-to-face communication, especially in sustaining existing relationships. Nevertheless, communicating face-to-face remains the primary mode for establishing new social connections. This research aims to contribute to understanding how young people compare online and face-to-face communication in the context of social interactions, emphasizing their perceived advantages and disadvantages. A key objective is to contribute to this field by specifically including younger adolescents as participants in the study. Data was collected through four focus group interviews, each consisting of 5 to 7 seventh-grade students from four elementary schools in Belgrade (a total of 24 participants). Every group comprised both boys and girls, and sessions were held in person, lasting between 50 and 86 minutes. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis, where codes were derived through a combined approach: inductively, from participants’ responses, and deductively, based on previous research on Serbian high school students. We identified three themes highlighting the advantages of face-to-face communication: (1) better understanding, (2) honesty and trust, and (3) nonverbal cues important for the expression and recognition of emotions. In line with findings from research with high school students, participants emphasized the effectiveness of online texting via social network sites in staying connected with friends they rarely see in person. Another significant theme that emerged is the observation of inconsistencies in a person’s behavior and even personality, depending on whether they are communicating in person or texting online. To conclude, the young adolescents who participated in our research emphasize the importance of clear and honest communication that allows them to understand how their conversation partners feel, and they choose face-to-face conversation as the best way to accomplish that. An illustrative example of compromising between these “two worlds” is their preference for voice messages when they wish to discuss important topics but cannot meet their conversation partner in person