Girls all hung on the telephone hours on end when young, but phones were landlines and not the same possible health worries associated with long talk cell phone. Yes, face to face is best. If I'm lonely, phone helps, but I want to visit in person. Online has pros and cons, and the cons I don't notice so much in person. What would seem helpful, and I'll try, is to clarify a person's intentions or statements. Often it seems easier to misunderstand online than in person, possibly resulting in unnecessary drama. I have a cousin in law who has a natural habit of asking a lot of questions, so when she asks if I mean blah blah and says she wasn't sure I'm always glad.I like face to face for friends and family, and when meeting someone new. Phone can sometimes be a reasonable second best.
Online I am still figuring it out, sure is efficient for business and things like scheduling with friends and family, but getting to know people, like SF is new to me, so I am not yet sure...