Beyond "Face-to-Face vs. Online": Embracing the Power of "AND" in the Age of AI

When organising workshops or training sessions, we often find ourselves in the middle of a bit of a debate:

"Face-to-face is definitely better for that energy and buzz."

"No way, online is the way to go if we’re thinking about convenience and efficiency."

It’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing this as a binary choice—"In-person VS. Online"—where we feel compelled to pick a side. However, when we have a good look at the unique characteristics of each, we realise that what the current era demands is not an "OR" (choosing one over the other), but an "AND" (embracing both) mindset.

In this post, I’d like to unpack the true essence of these experiences and explore how we should approach technology and connection today.

The Richness of "Sharing the Air" (In-Person) and Its Constraints

The greatest appeal of face-to-face workshops lies in the richness of non-verbal information. Subtle changes in facial expressions, posture, and the shared "vibe" of the room—these are details that often get filtered out through a screen. The sense of unity born from sitting knee-to-knee and the value of a physically shared experience are irreplaceable.

On the other hand, physical constraints are unavoidable. There is the geographical barrier of having to actually "be there." Furthermore, in-person settings can sometimes amplify social dynamics; those with louder voices or higher status often hold more sway. Participants may unconsciously prioritise harmony over honesty, creating social and psychological hurdles to speaking up.

These aren't necessarily flaws of face-to-face interaction, but rather characteristics that stem from the intense power of the physical space.

The New Possibilities and Inclusivity Opened by "Online"

So, what about online? Once seen merely as a "substitute" for meeting in person, the online space has evolved into a field with its own unique value.

First is its overwhelming Inclusivity. As long as there is an internet connection, anyone can join from anywhere in the world. This "Geographic Inclusivity" doesn't just save travel time; it opens doors for those who previously had to give the session a miss due to distance.

Equally important is Psychological Inclusivity. On a flat screen, there is no "head of the table." Physical intimidation fades, and we often see a rise in psychological safety, making it easier for people to have a say regardless of their job title or age. I often see participants who would be reserved in person becoming surprisingly active in chat or discussions within this flatter, digital relationship.

Furthermore, negotiation and dialogue via digital tools serve as a microcosm of our rapidly changing modern society. The anxiety of being left behind by rapid changes, and the challenges unique to a digital society, become clearly visible in this environment. Observing these dynamics is a profound learning opportunity that is unique to the online experience.

What the Japanese Word for "Human" Teaches Us

Seen in this light, In-person and Online are not superior or inferior to one another; they are complementary.

• In-Person: A space for deepening dense human relationships and physical shared experiences.

• Online: A space for removing physical and psychological barriers to broaden flat connections.

Here, I would like to introduce a perspective from the Japanese language. The Japanese word for "human being" is "Ningen" (人間). This word is composed of two characters: "Person" (人) and "Between/Space" (間).

This is profoundly suggestive. It implies that a person cannot be fully "human" in isolation. We require a "Ma" (a space or gap) between ourselves and others to define our existence. We are, by definition, creatures that live by connecting with one another.

When we view humanity this way, technology does not destroy these connections. Instead, as technology evolves, it creates new types of "Ma" (spaces). It isn't replacing human connection; it is expanding the vocabulary of how we connect. It gives us more ways to bridge the gap between us, allowing us to maintain our humanity in diverse and novel ways.

Rejecting AI or Coexisting with It?

This perspective directly applies to how we face AI and technology in general.

When new tech emerges, we tend to be wary, fearing that "humanity will be lost," and we instinctively want to reject it. But just as online tools picked up voices that were lost in face-to-face settings and created new forms of "spaces," technology has the power to extend human potential.

Will we reject AI as an enemy that steals human jobs? Or will we coexist with it as a partner that expands our possibilities and fosters new connections?

The key is not to discard the old to jump to the new, nor to deny the new to cling to the old. The warmth of Face-to-face AND the expansiveness of Online. Human sensibility AND AI intelligence.

Accepting both, using them adaptively, and weaving them together—this flexible "AND" mindset is the essential compass we need to navigate the future.