John Suler, Ph.D. Humans need physical contact with each other.
Infants sink into depression and die without it.
How parents interact physically with them becomes a cornerstone of their identity and well-being. Adults deprived of tactile contact for long periods will tell you just how depriving it feels. In day to day relationships, never underestimate the power of a handshake, a pat on the back, a hug, or a kiss. In multimedia chat communication there are some vague hints of physical contact, as when you snuggle up your avatar next to someone else's. But this is a far cry from the in-person counterpart.