Editor’s Note: This is a guest commentary. The opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board.

Technology is an essential part of everyday life, offering us both convenience and efficiency. For students, it plays a major role not only in how they learn, but also in how they communicate with others. As its use continues to grow, there are major concerns about its impact on students’ communication skills.

Today, nearly all U.S. teens (96%) say they use the internet every day and 72% of students say they prefer online learning over traditional in-person instruction. These statistics demonstrate how deeply technology is integrated into both education and social life. While technology has made learning more accessible and flexible, it has also changed the way students interact with one another, often reducing opportunities for direct communication.

The widespread use of devices such as laptops and smartphones has increasingly replaced real-life interactions. This shift is evident not only in classrooms but also in everyday face–to–face interactions both in and out of school. As students rely more on screens to communicate, they may struggle to develop essential skills such as active listening, verbal expression and confidence in face-to-face conversations. Over time, this growing dependence on technology can weaken students’ ability to connect with peers on a more personal and meaningful level.

In many social situations in my own life, I have observed students turning to their phones to avoid awkward moments rather than engaging in conversation. Over time, this habit makes in-person communication feel uncomfortable or intimidating. Speaking from experience, when I learned to put my phone down and be present in the moment, I felt a stronger urge to communicate with others. I became more engaged in conversations, whether they were educational discussions or simple social interactions with strangers. I realized putting down my device improved my focus as well as strengthened my ability to connect with people on a  more meaningful level.

A global survey of young adults aged 18 to 34 found that 65% communicate with peers more frequently through texting or mobile messaging, with even higher percentages in English-speaking countries. While texting allows for quick and convenient communication, it often lacks tone, emotion and clarity. In-person communication has been valued for its immediacy and depth, allowing people to use nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice. However, as digital communication grows, in-person communication skills such as including clear speaking, active listening and confidence in conversation continue to decline.

This trend is reflected in academic work as well. Texting slang is becoming more common in students’ assignments. Terry Wood, a foreign language teacher at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, reports a “dramatic decline” in students’ writing abilities due to the influence of texting and social media. Moreover, Wood, who has 10 years of classroom experience, notes that even in emails to teachers or formal assignments, students frequently abbreviate longer words.

Although technology is an increasingly useful part of daily life, it is important to recognize that setting devices aside and engaging in face-to-face conversations may be far more beneficial in the long run than relying solely on digital communication.