Technologically-Assisted Communication Attenuates Inter-Brain Synchrony

Abstract

The transition to technologically-assisted communication has permeated all facets of human social life; yet, its impact on the social brain is still unknown and the effects may be most notable during key developmental transitions. Applying a two-brain perspective, the current pre-registered study measured mother-child brain-to-brain synchrony using hyperscanning EEG at the transition to adolescence during live face-to-face interaction versus technologically-assisted remote communication. The live interaction elicited 9 significant cross-brain links between densely inter-connected frontal and temporal areas in the beta range [14-30 Hz]. Mothers right frontal region connected with childs right and left frontal, temporal, and central regions, suggesting its regulatory role in organizing the two-brain dynamics. In contrast, the remote interaction elicited only 1 significant cross-brain-cross-hemisphere link, attenuating the robust right-to-right-brain connectivity during live social moments that communicates socio-affective signals. Furthermore, while the level of social behavior was comparable between the two interactions, brain-behavior links emerged only during the live exchange, suggesting that remote interactions yield a somewhat thinner biobehavioral experience. Mother-child right temporal-temporal synchrony linked with moments of shared gaze and the degree of child engagement and empathic behavior was associated with right frontal-frontal synchrony. Our findings indicate that human co-presence is underpinned by specific neurobiological processes, suggest potential reasons for "zoom fatigue", and open a much-needed discussion on the cost of social technology for brain maturation, particularly among youth. HighlightsO_LITechnologically-assisted communication is prevalent; yet, its impact on the social brain is unknown C_LIO_LIWe measured mother-child brain-to-brain synchrony during live and technologically-assisted remote interaction C_LIO_LIThe live interaction elicited 9 cross-brain links between densely inter-connected frontal and temporal areas in the beta range C_LIO_LIThe remote interaction yielded only 1 significant cross-brain cross-hemisphere link C_LIO_LIBrain-behavior linked emerged only during the live interaction C_LIO_LIFurther research should examine the cost of social technology to brain maturation, particularly among youth. C_LI