Definitely did the mall thing too as a far back as middle school, for sure a ritual to go and try and get girls numbers.
In person is the best way, personally, the most efficient, the most authentic, and probably the most rewarding. It feels pleasurable and rewarding, and healthy, even if that sounds funny, as opposed to texting which can feel good, but a little empty, like eating straight candy. In person, I walk away feeling a little high, as opposed to texting where it's like dopamine drips.
People are generally less open. Look to phones, look to AirPods, reality tv influences, look at the way some people hold their phone, like an extension of themselves, (pam up hand extended)
in person you have to be kinda unguarded, reflexive, and kind of give and take without pausing, whereas meeting people online/texting gives you a lot of distance. The perfect emoji, a cute meme or whatever. Not the same as being charming, flirtatious in person.