Women's Stress Levels Decrease When Talking To Their Moms, Increase When Texting, According To New Study
An interesting new study titled "Instant Messages vs. Speech: Hormones and Why We Still Need to Hear Each Other" explains how types of communication can influence the mental and emotional responses in human beings, particularly among young women when interacting with their mothers.
In the study, one set of young women interacted with their mothers via daily texts while another set of women interacted with them via daily phone calls. The researchers found that oxytocin (the "happy" hormone) was increased in those who heard their mother's voice while cortisol (the stress hormone) was increased in those who texted. Those who talked to their mothers rather than texting also reported better overall moods and feeling more affection towards their mothers.
The researchers concluded that the sound of a familiar voice is a fundamental aspect of human connection, and a mother's voice in particular has a uniquely comforting and stress-reducing effect on her children. While these findings are obviously dependent on various factors, the consistent effects between both sets of participants seem worth noting as our lives become increasingly dominated by screens.
Some Instagram users offered their speculations about the findings.
"Just a random theory, but could it be because texting leaves too much to interpretation of time and intentions?" asked one. "This is going to depend on the relationship you have with your own mother," noted another. "This is so true," said one woman. "Whenever I am stressed and just hear my mom's voice, I feel safe and secure and I am over 40. Loving moms rule."
Connection: What Makes Us Human
These findings challenge the popular narrative that digital communication, with its increasing convenience, is a fine substitute for voice-based interactions. While texting seems to ease social anxiety in some situations, it fundamentally lacks the emotional depth and healing power inherent in a human voice. It makes us wonder about the long-term effects of current communication trends, especially among younger generations who are growing up in a predominantly digital communication landscape.
These new findings, coupled with alarming statistics about the negative impact of social media and addictive internet use strongly suggest we need to step away from the screens. If you want more "happy" hormones in your life, Evie writer Andrew Mew offers a long list of ways to get back to your pre-internet brain here. One simple way to start is to call your mom next time you have a question rather than texting. You'll probably lift her mood and your own at the same time.
Closing Thoughts
Technology certainly isn't going to slow down any time soon, but as we continue to learn more about its negative effects, it seems increasingly evident that prioritizing real, human connections rather than digital ones will improve our relationships, well-being, and societal health at large.
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