Quotes
“Social media changes people’s behavior and their views and experiences of the city”
“it is unclear how social media’s influence shapes urban spaces and people's well-being in positive or negative ways and what’s the strategies for social-media-popular places”
Urban Context
In the digital age, social media has become a powerful force shaping urban experiences and behaviors. Cities like Amsterdam are witnessing a significant shift as social media platforms like TikTok influence people's perceptions and interactions with urban spaces. This phenomenon has led to the emergence of social-media-popular places, presenting both opportunities and challenges for urban management and development. Popular social media places can be created spontaneous, such as an aesthetic photograph of a fries shop in Amsterdam, or strategically crafted through intentional design to enhance the branding and promotion of a place, as seen in Xi’an city, China.
Challenge
The rise of social-media-popular places has brought about various transformations and challenges for cities. From tourism-induced gentrification to overcrowding and environmental strain, these places face complex issues that require nuanced understanding and strategic interventions. Additionally, the influence of social media on urban spaces has not received adequate attention from academia, highlighting the need for comprehensive research in this area.
Solution
This presentation offers an in-depth case study on the impact of TikTok on social-media-popular places in Amsterdam. By analyzing social media data and mapping popular places, the study identifies key attributes and trends shaping urban spaces. Through a combination of macro-level analysis and micro-level examination of specific events, the presentation sheds light on the dynamics between social media, place-making, and urban transformation. Furthermore, the study proposes digital placemaking strategies to address challenges such as overtourism and maintain the long-term sustainability of social-media-popular places.
Conclusions
The research identifies food service as a dominant category in Amsterdam's TikTok hotspots and highlights the role of aesthetics, reputation, and place identity in shaping positive sentiment. By understanding the factors driving social media popularity, the study offers insights for urban management and renewal. The presentation emphasizes responsible use of social media in placemaking efforts to ensure the well-being of urban spaces and communities.
Future Research
Future research directions include qualitative studies involving stakeholders and exploring patterns in different contexts and countries to enhance understanding and inform strategic interventions.
Practical Applications
This research has practical implications for policymakers and urban planners seeking to address the challenges posed by social-media-popular places. By integrating digital placemaking strategies into urban development plans, cities can harness the potential of social media while mitigating negative impacts and fostering sustainable urban environments.
Groundbreaking Aspects
This research represents a pioneering effort to systematically analyze the impact of TikTok on urban spaces and propose digital placemaking strategies to address emerging challenges. By bridging the gap between academia and real-world urban dynamics, the presentation offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners working towards more inclusive and sustainable cities.