There is never going to be a substitute for face-to-face

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Howard Rheingold, an American writer, critic, and lecturer, known for his work on the impact of technology on society and culture. He is especially recognized for his book The Virtual Community, where he explores the rise of online communities.

“There is never going to be a substitute for face-to-face communication, but we have seen since the alphabet, to the telephone and now the Internet, that whenever people find a new way to communicate, they will flock to it.”
— Howard Rheingold

Context and Background

This quote reflects Rheingold’s view on how technology has transformed communication throughout history. He highlights the historical trajectory of communication technologies, starting with the alphabet (which revolutionized written communication), moving to the telephone (which brought more personal, real-time interaction), and now the Internet (which has created vast global networks of digital communication).

While Rheingold acknowledges that face-to-face communication will always remain irreplaceable, he suggests that new forms of communication often emerge and are eagerly adopted by people looking to connect in new ways. His work emphasizes the human desire for connection and how technology facilitates that desire.

Interpretation

• “There is never going to be a substitute for face-to-face communication” — Rheingold acknowledges that while digital communication is convenient, it cannot fully replace the depth and richness of direct, personal interaction.

• “But we have seen since the alphabet, to the telephone and now the Internet” — he outlines the evolution of communication technologies, showing that each new medium offers a new form of connection and interaction.

• “Whenever people find a new way to communicate, they will flock to it” — highlights the human drive for connection. People are quick to adopt new technologies that offer more efficient, expansive, or engaging ways to communicate with each other.

Summary

Howard Rheingold’s quote captures the continuous evolution of communication technologies, noting that people’s need for connection has always driven them to embrace new mediums — from the invention of the alphabet to the telephone, and now the Internet. While face-to-face communication remains irreplaceable, new technologies will continue to be adopted and shape how we interact with one another, reflecting our constant search for new ways to connect and engage with the world around us.