Digital Space

Is the digital space and digital connection equivalent to a 'physical' connection?

This is a question that comes up time and again in my research, indirectly or by assumption. Are relationships online equivalent to those offline. What difference does that make to companies and organisations? The offline connection often results in an online one. But to the majority of internet users does the reverse occur so readily? Is the connection created online as strong as one offline to a cause or charity for instance?

Offline we use body language, read tone and voice internation - none of which is available to us in the digital space. The pace and ebbs and flows of conversation offline make a big difference. The online often uses 'on' or 'off', you either talk or listen: email; blog comments; your friend 'is typing' on msn messenger or facebook chat; the back and forth of twitter.

Is there a different form of connection or relationship generated? One that is based on information and factual transmission. Causes or voices that appear silent or unreachable(a large corporation or charity with tightly controlled press releases for instance) suddenly have a voice and direct communication is possible.

This is where many businesses and charities have been able to harness social media. The towering, closed international organisation suddenly has a new voice in the digital space and real people can engage with it where before they wouldn't have dreamed of it. The Third Sector has left the building.