Modern teens are learning to do most of their communication while looking at a screen, not another person. Certainly, speaking indirectly creates a barrier to clear communication, but that’s not all. Learning how to make friends is a major part of growing up, and friendship requires a certain amount of risk taking. When there are problems that need to be faced, it takes courage to be honest about your feelings and then hear what the other person has to say. But when friendship is conducted online and through texts, kids are doing this in a context stripped of many of the most personal aspects of communication. – “How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers,” Rachel Ehmke

According to the excerpt, why is online and text communication problematic compared to in-person communication? Online and text communication requires more risk taking. Online and text communication is less personal. In-person communication usually involves less courage. In-person communication is often more indirect.