Connections in 140 Characters or Less?

New Study Refutes Conventional Wisdom, Provides Practical How-To For Improving Interpersonal Communication

This year, we have seen the wholesale embrace of Twitter, Facebook, and other digital communications by the media and by Americans of all ages. Indeed, for the first time in a national survey a majority (66%) of Americans describe themselves as primarily "Digital Communicators." In response to this finding, it's trendy to say that we're also becoming a disconnected nation of pingers - but is it true?

Tweet Emotions. Digital communication does not come at the expense of meaningful interaction. More than half (53%) of Americans have had a deep, personal conversation (such as about life or love) using email, texting, social networking or Twitter.

You Set My Heart a Twitter. Despite concerns that we've become a nation of "pingers," it is actually those who do not use technology to stay in touch who are missing out on meaningful conversations. Nearly all (90%) Digital Communicators have had such a conversation compared to only three quarters (75%) of those who do not consider themselves Digital Communicators.

We're getting close, but we haven't gone digital just yet

Everyone today - mom and dad included - is using email, text messaging, and social networking tools as their primary m eans for staying in touch with one another. But "touching base" and communicating are two different things.

Want to know what's for dinner? Send a text. Want to know what someone's really thinking? Pick up the phone.

Analog Islands

Despite concerns that we've become a nation of "pingers," it is actually those who do not use technology to stay in touch who are missing out.

Those who do not use email, text messages, and social networking tools to stay in touch with family and friends are two and a half times more likely not to have had a deep conversation in the last year.

Conducted by Wakefield Research