nonproximity

Nonproximity is a term used in discussions of social, economic, and technological arrangements in which physical proximity is reduced or deemed unnecessary for interaction, collaboration, or exchange. The concept takes its cues from proxemics—the study of personal space in social interaction—but emphasizes the functional distance created by digital media, remote work, and online networks.

In practice, nonproximity describes patterns such as distributed teams, online marketplaces, telepresence, and other digital platforms that connect actors without requiring co-location. In urban and regional contexts, it can refer to approaches that decouple economic activity from strict place-based clustering, focusing instead on networks, connectivity, and virtual accessibility.

Implications of nonproximity include potential increases in access, flexibility, and resilience, along with efficiency gains from remote collaboration. However, it can also challenge social cohesion, informal knowledge transfer, and place-based identities. Critics point to risks associated with the digital divide, data privacy, and potential overreliance on networks that may replace physical encounters that foster creativity and trust.

Assessment and study of nonproximity often involve measuring functional distance (the ease of coordinating without meeting in person), digital interaction frequency, travel reductions, and accessibility of technology. As digital infrastructure deepens, nonproximity remains a lens for examining how societies organize interaction, work, and exchange beyond physical closeness.

See also: proxemics, telepresence, remote work, digital economy, urban geography.