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:

1. Introverts vs. Extroverts
   While the "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. Extroverts thrive in in-person environments, where they feed off real-time interaction, easily pick up on social cues, and enjoy dynamic engagement.
   

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—juggling multiple voices and deciphering subtle cues without full-body language can be mentally taxing.

Gen Z and Millennials, raised on digital platforms, prefer asynchronous communication (email, Slack, WhatsApp) over phone calls or meetings. Boomers and Gen X often value in-person or phone communication, seeing it as key to building trust and strong relationships.

Creative professionals (artists, designers, marketers) enjoy remote settings for focused work but still appreciate the occasional collaborative brainstorm. Analytical roles (finance, law, engineering) often require structured environments that encourage quick decision-making and collaboration, which usually means in-person interaction.

Executives and managers lean toward in-person interactions, seeing them as essential for company culture, networking, and team leadership. Individual contributors (writers, developers) tend to favor remote work for fewer distractions and better work-life balance.

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 under constant scrutiny.
• Cognitive overload, as we work harder to interpret body language through a screen.
• Reduced mobility, as 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.

What Acting Can Teach Us About Online Presence

Most of the professionals I work with say they prefer in-person communication—it's easier to connect, read body language, and feel the energy in a room. But practicality wins out, and Zoom remains a go-to for efficiency. That means adjusting how we show up online is essential.

Whether in-person or virtual, communication is a performance of sorts. And just like in acting, different mediums require different skills. Stage acting involves big, projected gestures and voices to engage a live audience, while TV and film acting focus on subtlety—small facial expressions and a focus on nuance, since the camera captures every detail.

Online communication is closer to film acting. On Zoom, gestures should be smaller yet intentional. Eye contact (or at least looking at the camera) replaces scanning a room. And vocal tone becomes even more important, since digital settings can flatten energy.

Drawing from my background in performance, I've seen how small shifts can make a big difference. To enhance your online presence:

• Use intentional facial expressions and hand gestures—they translate well on screen.
• Maintain a strong yet natural vocal tone to avoid sounding monotone.
• Be aware of posture and framing—good lighting and positioning create a more engaging presence.

The goal isn't to put on a performance, but to communicate in a way that feels natural while making the most of the medium.

Are you team Zoom or team face-to-face? Or, like many, are you somewhere in between?