In Part 1, we explored how to future-proof your Business English in a world increasingly shaped by AI. But there’s a deeper layer to this conversation—one that goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. It’s about how we communicate as human beings in a digital world that often forgets what it means to be human.
The Cost of Constant Connection
We’re more connected than ever—but somehow, more isolated too.
Social media, messaging apps, and AI tools have made communication faster, easier, and more efficient. But they’ve also made it noisier, more performative, and—at times—more harmful.
We scroll through highlight reels, argue in comment sections, and measure our worth in likes and shares. And it’s taking a toll.
- 87% of teens report experiencing cyberbullying.
- People who spend more than 2 hours a day on social media are 2.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression.
- 60% of users say social media negatively affects their self-esteem.
- Among Gen Z, 41% say it makes them feel anxious, sad, or depressed.
(Source: Common Sense Media, 2025)
These aren’t just numbers. They’re people. They’re us.
The Disappearing Art of Presence
I recently went to a Robbie Williams concert in the Johan Cruiff Arena in Amsterdam. The energy was electric—but something felt off. Everywhere I looked, phones were in the air. People were filming, posting, tagging. Living the moment through a screen, as seems to be the norm these days.
Then, at home, I watched a clip from Knebworth, 2003. Same artist. Same energy. But not a single phone in sight. Just people. Singing. Laughing. Present.
We’ve traded presence for proof. Experience for evidence. And in doing so, we’ve lost something vital.
The Rise of the Digital Persona
Online, we curate. We filter. We perform. And while there’s nothing wrong with sharing our best selves, the danger comes when we forget that behind every profile is a person—with fears, flaws, and feelings.
Anonymity can be empowering—but it can also be weaponised. It allows people to say things they’d never say face-to-face. And when platforms don’t moderate hate, it festers. It spreads. It becomes normal.
Even Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, has acknowledged that the platform has grown far beyond its original purpose. What began as a way to “stay in touch with friends and family” has evolved into a global force—one that even he admits would likely not exist in its current form if he hadn’t maintained tight control over it.
In 2018, Facebook changed its algorithm to prioritise “meaningful social interactions” over viral content—an attempt to course-correct the platform’s growing reputation for fuelling division and misinformation.
But the question remains: Can a platform designed to connect us still serve that purpose when it so often divides us?
We need to ask: What kind of digital culture are we creating?
Communication as a Form of Care
This is where language comes in. Not just Business English—but human English. The kind that listens. That reflects. That connects.
Whether you’re writing an email, commenting on a post, or speaking in a meeting—your words matter. They can build bridges or burn them. Heal or harm.
So let’s use them wisely:
- Speak with intention.
- Write with empathy.
- Listen with curiosity.
Final Thoughts: The Soul of Communication
Technology isn’t the enemy. But unchecked, it can strip away the soul of what makes us human: our ability to connect, to care, to communicate with meaning.
That said, let’s not forget the good. Social media has given a voice to the voiceless. It’s reunited families, sparked movements, and allowed people to share their stories across borders and cultures. It’s helped language evolve, adapt, and reach new audiences in ways we never imagined.
But with that power comes responsibility.
Because language—especially in English—is full of nuance. A single word can carry layers of meaning. A sentence can build a bridge or burn one. And in a fast-paced, emoji-filled, character-limited world, that nuance is often the first thing to disappear.
So let’s reclaim it.
Let’s teach it. Model it. Use it.
Let’s future-proof our communication not just with better tools, but with better awareness. Let’s be intentional with our words, generous with our listening, and mindful of the impact we have—online and off.
Because the future of communication isn’t just about being heard—it’s about being understood.
And that starts with language.
Thanks for reading, and for being part of this conversation.
As a Scottish-born language coach living in the Netherlands, I’ve seen how powerful communication can be—across cultures, across platforms, and across perspectives. At Naturally English, I believe language is more than just vocabulary and grammar. It’s how we connect. It’s how we stay human.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Warm wishes,
Stuart
Founder, Naturally English
www.naturallyenglish.nl
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