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LANGUAGE AND HUMAN COMMUNICATION IN A DIGITAL AGE: 
EFFECTS ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS ON THE NIGERIAN 

YOUTHS

By
Nwadike, Mmanwanyi Pet

Linguistics and communication Studies
University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract
echnology in a digital age, characterized by human-computer interactions, has dramatically Ttransformed the world in various ways, enhancing rapid flow in the way we communicate 
with one another. Digital technology has significantly influenced language in some ways 

(such as, new vocabularies and styles). Language is a powerful instrument in bringing people 
together and at the same time it can be used to create enmity in relationships if not well used. By 
transforming language, the digital technology also transforms communication positively. With the 
advancement of the digital era, there has been a noticeable contrast in the way humans 
communicate. This study examines human communication in a digital age and the effects on the 
Nigerian youths. This study portrays the Nigerian youths as those within the ages of 18-29. The 
object of this paper is to show how electronic technology has played significant roles in human 
communication. The paper adopted a descriptive approach in the analysis. The data for this study is 
from secondary source which consists of observations and views by different authors. We noted that 
electronic technology as a major instrument of communication has positive as well as negative 
effects on the Nigerian youths. We recommend more of face-to-face interactions especially in the 
family level so as to promote family bonding. The youths should minimize the use of electronic 
devices for only important and relevant issues. Finally, we also recommend a check on immoral and 
unethical activities by the youths online. Ethical principle should be maintained.
Keywords: Language, human communication, electronic technology, digital communication, 
electronic devices, digital age.

Introduction
It is of utmost importance to understand the role language plays in the lives of human beings. 
Language is a human behaviour as well as a window to the human mind. Language is the most 
essential tool for the creation of relationships and familiarities as well as bonding. By bonding, we 
mean the establishment of a relationship or link with someone based on shared feelings, interests or 
experiences. A society without language is bound to be rife with anarchy and confusion (Ajileye, 
2007). 

The use of electronic technology in recent times has transformed our society in different and 
interesting ways as well as facilitates the rapid flow of information in the way we communicate and 
interact with one another. As technology continues to penetrate all aspects of human lives and 
transform the social order, it has impacted on language and human communication significantly, 
both positively and negatively. Positively, electronic technology has made human communication a 
lot easier, people can interact and communicate from their comfort zones (living rooms, work 
places, business areas etc.) and get feedbacks immediately. No longer the age when one will have to 
travel from one place to another just to have a conversation or discussion with a family member, 

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colleague or friend or sit and write a letter, stress to locate a post office so as to send the information 
across to the receiver. Sometimes, the letter gets missing on transit or takes ages to get to the receiver 
and in some cases, the information gets expired before getting to the receiver. Electronic technology 
has elevated the level of human communication to a great extent that communication is now very 
easy and stress free. All you need is to have a phone and internet access which is also cheap to afford 
according to one's level. Business transactions has become easy, even interviews for employment as 
well as educational paper presentations are now carried out from the comfort of ones' home or area. 
On the other hand, electronic technology has affected human relationships negatively too, in the 
sense that this digital way of communication has created a gap in the human interpersonal 
relationships. Face-to-face interaction which facilitates human bonding is gone, especially among 
the younger adults. 

The consequence of this is that the interface between person and machine has drastically reduced the 
desire for physical presence. For when people interact face-to-face, they share emotions and 
feelings of one another. They observe facial expression, pains and joys of the other person/s. Aside 
the gap created by not having a face-to-face interaction due to too much time spent online, Cyber 
connection also infringe on our social functioning. According to (Yamamoto et al, 2015), negative 
comments can hurt others' feelings and aggravate conflict. It is easier, however, to heal the 
relationship face-to-face than online. It is difficult to identify the source of conflict when tone of 
voice, body language, and facial expressions are missing (Hsu, 2009). For instance, an utterance that 
is meant to be a joke can be misinterpreted as an offensive remark. This could result in other parties 
taking comments out of context and being upset. But if the discussion is face-to-face, both parties 
will be able to see the difference between joke and serious utterance through the body language or 
voice. Hence, with the invention of electronic technology, bonding between friends and relatives is 
fast diminishing in our society. 

According to Warschauer et al, 2010, the digital revolution has transformed language by triggering 
an explosion of new vocabularies, genres and styles and by reshaping literacy practices. By 
developing a mode of communication where writing approximates speaking, instant messaging 
(IM) and texting have facilitated the production of new words and styles that bridge the interactive 
nature of speech and the documental capacity of writing. 

With increasing numbers of electronic technologies and penetration of the internet around the 
world, localization of the technology and the content it carries into the many languages people speak 
is becoming an area for discussion. Localization, simply, includes translation and cultural 
adaptation of user interfaces and software applications, as well as creation and translation of internet 
content in diverse languages. It is essential in making information and communication technology 
more accessible to the populations of the poorer countries, increasing its relevance to their lives, 
needs, and aspirations, and ultimately in bridging the 'digital divide' (Osborn, 2021). (Gardeazabal, 
2011) opines that language can be an instrument to unify people and also be used to separate people. 
Language in this discourse is being viewed from the social perspective. In this piece, we therefore 
explore language and human beings, human communication in a digital age with views on the 
effects on interpersonal relationships among the younger adults. This will help to ascertain our 
assumption that, the use of electronic technology as a major means of communication in this digital 
age has created a big gap in interpersonal relationships (especially face -to-face interactions) 
between people- families, colleagues, friends, business associates, etc. This has contributed 
immensely in the breaking of bonds in our relationships alongside other factors.

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Objective 
The objective of this research paper therefore, is to show how electronic technology has played and 
continues to play a significant role in creating gap in human communication and interpersonal 
relationships among the youths in the digital age, with the view to suggesting the way forward to 
reduce such gaps so as to facilitate bonding. To do this, the paper will also examine human 
communication in the digital age with regards to the youth which is the bedrock of the larger society. 

Statement of the problem
In the past, scholars of communication have been concerned about the apparent changes in the lives 
of our youths with regards to the innovation and evolution of electronic technologies in our society. 
While examining this trend, some scholars elaborated a number of reasons for changing 
communication patterns among the youths which include: westernization, socialization, isolation of 
the children from home. These changes in communication patterns were associated with 
technological development. The new communication protocol is less oral based; instead relying 
heavily on messages that are constructed and sent in form of symbols, signs and texts to 
computer/phone screens.  Hence youths rely less on oral forms of communication that require them 
to communicate face-to-face. Considering this change in communication, there is a growing 
concern with regards to the effects of these technological communications among our youths. Does 
the digital literacy which is facilitated by the new communication culture encourage interpersonal 
relationship among our youths or pulls them apart? This separateness against togetherness discourse 
is not new, but his paper contributes to this discourse by observing patterns in the context of the 
Nigerian youths.

The Nigerian Youth 
In Nigeria, youths include citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria aged 18–29 years according to 
the (new youth policy, 2019). On the other hand, the African youth charter recognizes youth as 
people between 15 and 35 of age. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with one of the 
largest populations of youth in the world, comprising 211,400,708 members. The Federal Ministry 
of Youth Development is responsible for youth affairs with the aim "to empower Nigerian youth to 
become self-reliant and socially responsible, focusing on enterprise development, vocational skills 
& training, youth voice, employment, and education. The ministry is responsible for the national 
youth policy, youth development programs, funding youth activities, youth participation, and to 
manage the National Youth Services Corps and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre.

Literature Review: Conceptual Review
Language in Human Beings 
Different people define language differently depending on the context of use and the situation 
surrounding its use. Language is a tool for effective communication and transfer of information 
among people. For communication to be effective and complete, the sender is required to encode the 
information using adequate linguistic tools. According to (Essien, 2003), language is a system of 
structured arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which human beings make meaning and 
communicate with each other in a given community. For (Prasad, 2009) language is defined as a 
system of conventional, spoken or written symbols by means of which human beings as members of 
a social group and participants in its culture, communicate. Here, we hold that language is simply a 
means of communication/interaction.

Human Communication in a Digital Age
Both language and communication are viewed as two distinct terms. Yet, both of them are related 
linguistically and they work side by side each other. Hence, we need to look at both concepts 

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'language and communication' individually so as to understand the difference between them. 

The main purpose of a language is, for easy communication. Hence, without language, it is 
impossible to create an effective communication. Simply put, language is a medium that helps in the 
sending of thoughts and feelings of two individuals and it allows us to express our feelings and 
thoughts using sounds, symbols, written or spoken words, posture, gestures or signs, etc. Thus, we 
can continue communication through language.

Communication on the other hand, is a process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, and information from 
one person to another verbally or nonverbally. Communication requires some basic simple steps 
such as, the sender, encoding process, message, channel, the receiver, decoding process, and 
feedback. Every step of this process of communication is vital and ignoring any of these steps, will 
collapse communication. Feedback is one of the major areas of communication process. Without 
feedback, there is no effective communication. Communication can be classified into verbal, non-
verbal, written/text, listening/audio and visuals such as charts, graphs, etc.

Human communication has deep evolutionary roots, characterized by its inherently cooperative 
nature. And it emerges, changes and continues to evolve in contexts of use: usage is the driver of 
language change. While this is a natural process, new technology is advancing the range and means 
available for interpersonal interaction, extending the envelope of the human communication 
potential. This is both fascinating and exciting, (The Guardian News, 2015) Human communication 
according to (Daramola, 2012) is defined as the social interaction that occurs between persons 
through the exchange of messages. Through communication, humans establish relationships and 
companionship. Hence, communication is central to human existence and serves as the channel 
through which humans interact with one another. 

According to (DeVito, 2009), human communication strengthens the feelings of togetherness 
among people through mutual understanding. It involves all the collective activities used in the 
sharing of ideas, facts and data from one person to the next. Interpersonal communication can occur 
within a social group or in the business area. According to (Onyeator et al, 2019), the foundation of 
interpersonal interaction is often traced to the family - the basic unit of human life comprising people 
who interact in small groups. Interpersonal communication in the family context involves face to 
face interactions among parents, children and other blood relatives. This facilitates bonding through 
the use of gestures, eye contact, touching etc. but for the purpose of this study, we will look at the 
effects of interpersonal communication from the perspective of the Nigerian youths.

Interpersonal communication is therefore a symbolic process through which individuals maintain 
close relationships by observance. By observing, they use facial expressions, eye contact, body 
language and posture as well as gestures to communicate with others. According to (Spape et al, 
2014), social psychologists are of the opinion that the physical presence of people during interaction 
influences message perception, cognition, decision making and action. They argue that such human 
features enhance the communication experience. 

The Digital Age
The digital age, also known as the information age, is defined as the time period starting in the 1970s 
with the introduction of the personal computer with subsequent technology introduced providing the 
ability to transfer information freely and quickly. 'Digital' describes electronic technology that 
generates, stores, and processes data. It is obvious that humans now interact and share their feelings 
and emotions mostly via electronic communication media. Consequently, the use of telephones, 

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mobile phones, smart phones, the internet and other digital technology has taken over face-to-face 
conversations to a large extent. According to (Global information society watch, 2014), nearly all 
forms of interaction among humans are communicative acts that are digitally enabled, observable 
and recordable by others. In other words, technology has taken over almost every aspect of human 
life, resulting in a reliance on them to communicate with one another. In this recent time and age, the 
physical presence of humans is increasingly hampered by electronic/communication devices which 
have altered not just the communication process, but human behaviour as well. The effect of this 
communication revolution on personal communication among the youths in particular and the 
society in general is of utmost concern to this study.      

Generally speaking, language is a means of communication among people. But the communication 
that is of utmost concern in this study is linked to the language of technology, innovation, and rapid 
growth (digital age/information era). In recent time, social media and digital communication 
platforms, such as Watsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Google Chat, Email etc. have replaced the use of 
face-to-face interactions, hand gestures, facial expressions, intonation etc. Naturally, language is 
dynamic and continues to change in contexts of use. New technology is advancing the means 
available for interpersonal interaction. This is both fascinating and fun, especially for the young 
generation. 

The Effects of Digital Technology on Human Communication
One of the major gifts of electronic technology is the optimization of communication systems in the 
form of mobile devices and internet. The Mobile devices brought about a drastic change to human 
interaction. The evolution of all electronic technological systems has altered human behaviors and 
interactions in both positive and negative ways.

Positive Effects of Electronic Technology among the Nigerian youths in the Digital Age
i. Faster Human Communication.
The availability of electronic devices and easy access to internet has made it possible for people 
especially for loved-ones to be in close contact irrespective of their location on earth. Distance is no 
longer a barrier for people to stay closer to their loved ones when they are physically far apart, using 
technological means like Facebook Messenger Calls, Skype, Telegram Calls and WhatsApp Calls. 
With the use of video call, people can watch or see the person they are communicating with, this 
gives a sense of closeness.
 
ii. Easy and Effective Learning
Digital technology has also been incorporated into the learning environment (classroom) over time, 
to facilitate learning among the younger people, as well as engage students in the learning process 
and also to make academic instruction more meaningful. Students now make use of electronic 
devises to solve educational works and researches on their own. With the availability of the Internet 
facilities, students are able to access educational materials and learning systems on their own 
without interacting with anyone. This has reduced the burden of buying all textbooks or paying for 
trainings amidst less money. Most skills are now made available via Youtube. All one need do is to 
activate the internet device and learn as much as possible; skills such as production of cleaning 
products, cooking, baking etc.
 
iii. Swift Business Transactions
Today, digital technology enables one to keep contact information in a mobile device. Most people 
tend to transact their businesses through digital technologies. Ability to contact and reach vendors 
quickly helps to facilitate the development of any business operation. Even at midnight, one can 

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order products online from the comfort of his home. For instance, D-Light Pure Daily Wash, a 
company that produces and sells cleaning products in Nigeria, all you need do is to order a product 
online (Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram) or call the customer care lines with the use of electronic 
device and get the products delivered to your location swiftly. 

Digital technologies have bridged the gap on the risk of being on transit all the time in the bid to meet 
up with some business meetings or transactions. Business tycoons can now sit at the comfort of their 
homes and transact multi-million-dollar businesses. Also, technology has made it easier for business 
people who must travel, to get to their destination in a very short time with the use of flights. Gone are 
the days when people spend the whole day on transit. With the invention of technology, in few 
minutes/hours, one has reached his destination. 
Employment interviews as well as client interviews are being carried out from a distance just with 
the help of technological devices. Digital technology also helps in the work places. Many a times, 
companies organize seminars online, carry out visual meetings online via Zoom etc. this can only be 
possible with the invention of electronic devices.

Negative Effects of Electronic Technology in the Digital Age
I. Infringes on interpersonal relationships and social skills
Aside the positive values of digital technology connecting people digitally, its evolution has created 
a gap in the human interpersonal relationship as well as physical bonding. First and foremost, people 
tend to bond when they communicate face-to-face. Emotions are formed as human beings tend to see 
and feel each other's pains and fears.  In the past, the young people are taught how to maintain eye 
contact during communication, make use of facial expressions and adjust their tone according to the 
reaction of the listener. In some cases, even when people are physically close, they are often far apart 
due to their inability to keep their mobile devices away. People are physically together but detached 
from each other due to the engagements with their electronic device, such as mobile phones. Some 
young adults even carry along their phones to the dining table and their eyes glued to the screen while 
meal is been served. The importance of face-to-face interaction cannot be overemphasized. Most 
times in business, customers tend to trust vendors only when they engage in face-to-face 
interactions. Hence, physical contact is power in business.  

ii. Digital Technology triggers Health Challenges
As the saying goes, too much of everything is bad. Excessive use of digital devices can be 
detrimental to the health of young adults in particular and the old people in general. Too much 
viewing on the screen can cause serious eye damage. Sitting at a place a long period of time can cause 
obesity etc. all work and no play, makes John a dull boy. With time, accumulated unhealthy habits 
will manifest as serious health issues.
Furthermore, most of the younger people tend to be occupied with watsapp chatting, face booking 
etc. till late at night thereby forfeiting quality rest. Normally, human beings need about 6-8hours of 
sleep and when this is not obtainable due to over usage of digital devices into the night, such 
individuals suffer some physical and psychological issues.

iii. Increase in Social Vices
The advent of digital technology has given rise to increase in social vices. Lately, it is no longer news 
that the younger people are being driven by the quest to get rich quick syndrome and as such, they 
indulge in so many bad things such as internet fraud, which are facilitated by the use of mobile 
devices. Electronic technology causes a lot of distractions, money illusion, lack of interest in 
academic achievements through hard work etc. For instance, the so-called Yahoo-yahoo group of 
people or yahoo plus people are able to perpetuate their dealings with the use of digital technologies. 

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Also, most kidnapping cases are been carried out with the use of mobile devices. The kidnappers use 
mobile phones to get information and track their preys. Cyberbullying and hate speech are not left out 
on the internet vices. More so, it gives access to irrelevant information, the desire to acquire the 
communication devices breeds so many societal vices especially on the girls.

Summary and Conclusion 
The paper investigates language and human communication in a digital age, examining its effects 
from the perspective of the Nigerian youths. The paper explores the effect of technology 
communication on the young adults and found that there are both positive and negative effects. No 
doubt that the advent of digital technology is becoming more prominent by the day and this has made 
human communication a lot easier and faster. The world at large has gained a lot positively, with the 
invention of digital technologies, ranging from acquiring great knowledge and skills to being 
responsible individuals. But, the negative effects of the digital technology on human communication 
and interpersonal relationship in the youths remain a concern to humanity and this should not be 
overlooked. And if not put in check, these negative effects can lead to lack of bonding especially with 
family members, social isolation, increase in social vices infringement of ethical principles, as well 
as trigger some serious health issues. Hence, there should be a check and awareness on the use of 
these electronic devices.
Finally, the paper proves that although language itself undergoes changes with time, the use of 
electronic devices facilitates the process of these changes.

Recommendations
i. Encourage face-to-face interaction
In as much as electronic communication creates easy avenue for communicators, it is important to 
indulge more on face-to-face interaction especially at the family level. Note that the family is the 
bedrock of a bigger society. Face-to-face interaction gives room to emotional and psychological 
bonding. The younger adults should be encouraged to maintain physical interpersonal relationships 
especially in the families by making out time to visit and share some family issues together. For 
instance, parents of a millionaire son feel lonely and sick even with a fat bank account just because 
their son hardly visits. Any day their son pays a visit, their loneliness and sickness vanish. That is the 
power of face-to-face meeting and interaction 

ii. Encourage less time on irrelevant issues on electronic technologies
Awareness should be created, and the youths should be enlightened on how to regulate and discipline 
themselves on the use of digital technology. Some of them get glued to their mobile devices the whole 
day chatting away on irrelevant things. Some just watch pornography, play irrelevant games, indulge 
in forgery, deceitful activities, plan and execute kidnapping etc. the end result could be terrible health 
challenges. Hence, they should be encouraged to reduce as much as possible, the time they spend 
using digital technologies and channel such time in other more creative and productive activities so 
as to enjoy a better life in good health.

iii. Checkmate immoral and unethical activities online
Additionally, no doubt that technology has facilitated human communication in numerous ways, but 
their communicative behaviours should be governed by ethical rules. Special facilities should be put 
in place to checkmate the activities of unethical communicators. Communication technologies 
should be used in a moral and ethical way. 

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