Instagramming Kyoto: Tourism and Social Media in the 21st Century

Catalog description

This course examines how social media use interacts - and sometimes conflicts - with local institutions, norms, and values. We focus on the case of Kyoto, one of the world's premier tourism destinations, which is currently seeking to minimize "tourism pollution" in relation to digital media and "selfies." Drawing on readings from digital studies, sociology, and communication, the course asks: what happens when tourists overwhelmingly document their trips and experiences in Kyoto on social media platforms? How do these activities affect the local environment and social norms? What are some of the unintended consequences of social media activities, and how can we mitigate them in the case of tourism? As part of the course, the students will conduct qualitative interviews and observations with tourists in Kyoto.