Digital media, consumer culture and the city: An investigation of the relationship between youth lifestyles and cultural spaces

Abstract

Consumption is linked with the contemporary urban way of life, identity formation and social meanings. In addition, the term ‘digitalisation’ is continuously attracting researchers’ attention from various academic disciplines. More specifically, the digital effect on consumption practices has impacted upon the multiple ways consumers seek validation for their choices. Young people are able to use their digital devices and social media applications to capture photos and videos in order to represent cultural spaces. This presentation is based on the research project LOCUS “sociaL media, yOuth and Consumption of cUltural Spaces” and a qualitative study with young people, as well as communication and marketing professionals who work on cultural institutions in order to understand the wider socio-cultural processes, the digitally mediated youth lifestyles and young people’s sense of belonging in cultural spaces.