“Digital liminality” is a concept that describes the transitional state or threshold people experience as they navigate between their online and offline lives. The term “liminality” comes from the Latin word “limen,” which means threshold. In this context, it’s used to convey the idea of being in a state of “in-betweenness.”
Given the pervasive nature of digital technologies in contemporary society, individuals often find themselves in a liminal space where their digital and physical lives intersect and blend. This can result in a sense of ambiguity or disorientation as they navigate different identities, roles, and realities across digital and physical spaces.
For example, one might feel caught in digital liminality when they spend a significant amount of time in digital environments for work or socialization and then struggle to fully disconnect and engage in their offline, physical lives. This feeling might be particularly prominent during times when digital interaction becomes the primary mode of communication, such as during periods of remote work or social distancing.
Liminality, space and the importance of ‘transitory dwelling places’ at work-Harriet Shortt
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0018726714536938