[Air-l] question about interview language for online/offline distinction

[andrea baker]

Mary, you raise a very interesting question.  To add to what Annette 
said I could propose that *f2f* (face-to-face) or ftf might fill work 
with *online*.  Like her, I tend to use online/offline which works 
best for studies emphasizing online interactions, I agree.

Distinctions used:
online/offline
online/f2f
OL/IRL or RL
virtual reality/physical space
cyberspace/meatspace

The last is controversial among some for perhaps obvious reasons.  I 
have found it useful to discuss comparative features of the two 
realms.  Virtual reality vs. physical space or physical reality have 
served us in times past but seem dated also,  even more than 
online/offline.

What terms do young people use?  As you note, their realities are 
more seamless, what with phone, IM, maybe texting...And yet, meeting 
"in person" retains a distinct flavor of its own, methinks.

best,
andrea (andee)