One example which comes to mind is an experience we had when testing various online telephone products. These products allow individuals to talk to one another via audio, much like a telephone, using the Internet as the transmission media, therefore reducing long-distance costs. In our testing online, we would often randomly call people to test the audio capabilities of the software. More often than not, people either didn't have the audio capability to talk with the software or made a conscious decision not to use it . This latter point surprised us.
Text seems to offer a powerful medium in itself.
The inherent power of text and its preference over audio online is often overlooked or dismissed. The type of client who seeks therapy online likely differs in significant factors from the person who seeks therapy in the real world. Research needs to be conducted in this area to determine what these factors are and how they impact the services offered online. Check out our Roundtable Roundup and make your opinion on this issue heard.