Rethinking communication in a digitally immersed society: A comprehensive review

Abstract

This article examines how digital world particularly through social media reshapes communication pattern, interpersonal relationships and emotional expression. The primary objective of this study is to systematically synthesise empirical evidence from existing studies on how digitally mediated communication influences emotional expression, interpersonal competence and communication practices in contemporary society.  Drawing exclusively on empirical studies, the review focuses on key thematic areas including emojis as digital emotional language, digital interaction dynamics in tertiary education, social media dependency consequences, psychological and cognitive effects of overconsumption and weakening of real world communication skills.  The findings reveal that while digital tools enhance connectivity and emotional expressiveness, excessive dependence weakens face to face communication skills, increases distraction and elevates loneliness. Digital spaces have become the primary platform where relationships are built and maintained, raising critical questions about how individuals interpret messages and navigate emotions in contexts of physical detachment. By integrating findings across multiple domains, this study aims to clarify the conditional and contradictory effects of digital communication on human interaction, highlighting its broader implications for social behaviour in a digitally immersed society.