Proxemics in the virtual age : potential proxemics changes because of the shift from a physical to a virtual context

Abstract

In light of an increase in the use of new media for communication, this study investigates whether elements from the theories of proxemics, normally based on communication in a physical context, also apply to the virtual plane. It also analyses changes may have incurred in the process. A qualitative approach was used to analyse the underlying research question. Five focus groups were held, formed according to participants’ age and usage of new media. A thematic analysis of the transcribed text of the focus groups was then examined to analyse the data and draw conclusions. These results indicate that participants regard communication in a physical context as superior, with most participants preferring to disclose important information in a physical context so as to incorporate non-verbal communication. Furthermore, they also affirmed that distance is still a crucial consideration for communication, even in a virtual context. However, while non-verbal communication is regarded as highly significant on a physical plane, few participants discuss how they in turn attempt to emulate such actions in a virtual context. Nonetheless, a number of elements pertaining to the theories of proxemics are noted as still being relevant in light of a virtual context. This mainly involves value given to distance and invasion of personal space.