ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE CITY
Social media & Tourism
Sherin Abraham
Picture this; walking around NYC with a map in your hand and 2 little children tugging at your arm while simultaneously trying to figure out where your desired location is. Now think, when was the last time you had a map in your hand walking around NYC? It must have been at least 10 years right? That is because with apps such as Google Maps we can have our phone track our movement and tells us exactly if we are going the right direction or not.
When the term 'social media' is heard, people generally associate it with the popular apps Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. However, we can broaden that term even more, because travel apps such as Yelp and Travelocity also connect businesses and users when travelers are deciding where to book their next trips. thus it is used as a POWERFUL influence on the traffic an area gets.
When the term 'social media' is heard, people generally associate it with the popular apps Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. However, we can broaden that term even more, because travel apps such as Yelp and Travelocity also connect businesses and users when travelers are deciding where to book their next trips. thus it is used as a POWERFUL influence on the traffic an area gets.
Pre- social media
When I was younger, I remember whenever my relatives from out of the country or out of state would visit the first thing my parents would say was, " We have to go take them to NYC and show them the Statue of Liberty", which was understandable, Lady Liberty is one of the notable aspects of NY. Once we got to the city, we roamed around with our maps in hand to see what was nearby and interesting to go to. With the introduction of social media platforms, tourists and natives alike started garnering interest in visiting different landmarks, entertainment or trying different cuisine based on the photo's or reviews put on social media.
According to research conducted by Pew Research center, from the years 2005-2015,
the percent of adults using social media went from 10% to 75%
According to research conducted by Pew Research center, from the years 2005-2015,
the percent of adults using social media went from 10% to 75%
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/00/a5/50/00a55076756c873ab2e5a2f2f0b1c111.jpg
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/
The Different platforms
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02824/Food-photos_2824149b.jpg
Instagram: A popular social media platform first launched in 2010. Though it only started to get popular in 2012, it was used as a way to share photos. It came with the ability to edit and enhance the quality of the picture. As the popularity of the app increased, so did the capabilities of the app. As years went by, people were able to post videos, and stream live from the location they are at. Businesses seek out popular celebrities who have a significant following to promote their businesses on their page to promote travelers to come and check it out.
Snapchat: A relatively new app launched in 2012 in which users can send photos or 10 sec video to their friends or family members for a one time view. If they choose to share their photo or video to all of their friends and family instead of just one particular person, it is sent as a 'story' in which the audience can view it as many times for 24 hours and then it expires. Snapchat implemented geofilters in which the user can tag the area they are in. Buisnesses can create their own page and so the general public are open to see what is going on day to day and visitors are welcome to contribute to it.
Yelp: A mobile site launched in 2004, aimed to help give travellers an idea of the quality of local restaurants/businesses around them. The app also provides reviews from past customers, photos of food and venue, pricing, parking information, link to website and phone number.
Groupon: A platform in which companies or buisnesses offer coupons for an indivudal or group to enjoy. An example being 25% a dining experience or a cruise and a lower cost. You can filter the options so it narrows the locations around you. Groupon also provides reviews from past customers to help decide whether or not one should make the choice to purchase
TripAdvisor: A travel site that will recommend fun activites for families or young adults and children to do while they are in the area. They provide information about the city your visiting, give hotel and flights prices and provide a list of restaurants recommended by past users.
Instagram: A popular social media platform first launched in 2010. Though it only started to get popular in 2012, it was used as a way to share photos. It came with the ability to edit and enhance the quality of the picture. As the popularity of the app increased, so did the capabilities of the app. As years went by, people were able to post videos, and stream live from the location they are at. Businesses seek out popular celebrities who have a significant following to promote their businesses on their page to promote travelers to come and check it out.
Snapchat: A relatively new app launched in 2012 in which users can send photos or 10 sec video to their friends or family members for a one time view. If they choose to share their photo or video to all of their friends and family instead of just one particular person, it is sent as a 'story' in which the audience can view it as many times for 24 hours and then it expires. Snapchat implemented geofilters in which the user can tag the area they are in. Buisnesses can create their own page and so the general public are open to see what is going on day to day and visitors are welcome to contribute to it.
Yelp: A mobile site launched in 2004, aimed to help give travellers an idea of the quality of local restaurants/businesses around them. The app also provides reviews from past customers, photos of food and venue, pricing, parking information, link to website and phone number.
Groupon: A platform in which companies or buisnesses offer coupons for an indivudal or group to enjoy. An example being 25% a dining experience or a cruise and a lower cost. You can filter the options so it narrows the locations around you. Groupon also provides reviews from past customers to help decide whether or not one should make the choice to purchase
TripAdvisor: A travel site that will recommend fun activites for families or young adults and children to do while they are in the area. They provide information about the city your visiting, give hotel and flights prices and provide a list of restaurants recommended by past users.
And it doesn't have to be just apps, blogs are also used to influence where people visit. An example being the popular blog/website Buzzfeed. It garners attention when posting must do's about any topic. They even have an article entitled "18 Things in NYC That Will Give Your Friends Fomo" written by NYCgo to promote different businesses. Another popular blog is The Points Guy; which singles out great places in NYC to get the perfect Instagram worthy picture. The platform connects with traveling sites such as Expedia and Travelocity in hopes to garner more popularity and business in two areas; hotels and NYC spots. With the new era of social media, peoples interest have changed and while this may be a generational thing; it is slowly but surely catching up to the older generations.
How social media reels you in
Celebrity Promoters
The Sugar Factory, is a prime example of a popular NYC restaurant and bar is visited by thousands of people every year. Famous for their large bowl like beverages that has smoke coming from it , this restaurant has been visited by many famous celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West. Since Mrs. West has a huge social media following ( 105.2 M on Instagram) whenever she goes to a new location or restaurant and posts about it, it garners interest from her fans.
The Sugar Factory, is a prime example of a popular NYC restaurant and bar is visited by thousands of people every year. Famous for their large bowl like beverages that has smoke coming from it , this restaurant has been visited by many famous celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West. Since Mrs. West has a huge social media following ( 105.2 M on Instagram) whenever she goes to a new location or restaurant and posts about it, it garners interest from her fans.
https://sugarfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Kim-Kardashian-Goblet-edit-600x600.jpg
NYC, the city that never sleeps
New York City, also known as the city that never sleeps. The excitement of the bright lights and entertainment makes it one of the most visited places in the world by natives and tourists. NYC is also one of the most diverse cities of the world having a population of about 8 million and of the 8 million 3.5 are foreign born according to NYC. gov. This is greatly emphasized in the different cultures that showcase their countries food and customs in the city. With the introduction of various social media platforms, people are using sites/apps such as Instagram, Snap-chat, Twitter and Facebook to help influence the areas where they would visit. People all over the world come to see a Broadway show or to taste an authentic NYC food because of what they have seen from others social media posts.
One of the most popular staple foods of NYC is Halal food, street food that has become increasingly popular in NY in the last 10 years. Halal food originates from the Middle East and is referred to as the acceptable way to cut meat for Muslims. It comes in a combination of rice, meat, green and topped with white or red sauce. The spice and flavor has become so popular that the halal cart business has grown exponentially, expanding out of NYC to different states.
" I would always see and hear my friends from NYC rave about getting Halal food for lunch after class and when I came I forced them to take me. I instantly fell in love with it. Being Indian, I have to admit, it was a little spicy but that is the best part. Recently. The Halal Guys started a branch down south but it definitely does not compare to the NYC experience." - Bethsy J
" I would always see and hear my friends from NYC rave about getting Halal food for lunch after class and when I came I forced them to take me. I instantly fell in love with it. Being Indian, I have to admit, it was a little spicy but that is the best part. Recently. The Halal Guys started a branch down south but it definitely does not compare to the NYC experience." - Bethsy J
The Top of The Rock NYC, which is an observatory on top of Rockefeller Center that offers a beautiful view of NYC. NYC has one of the most beautiful skylines and is home to the the some of the world largest and most beautiful buildings
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg/1280px-NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg/1280px-NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg
Max Brenner is a chocolate bar located in the heart of NYC.
" Because Max Brenner is primarily located in the east coast, everytime I come to NY, I want to go to Max Brenner. I remember a friend had put up pictures on Facebook of her trip to Max Brenner and I told my husband then and there that we needed to go next time we went to NY. love chocolate and I love how this chocolate bar has every variety of combinations you can do with it. It is definitely worth the trip down to the city. "- Rebecca T, Dallas TX
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zndl_R5tt4g/TsPA-dILHOI/AAAAAAAAKuY/CnAwngwx_lc/s1600/01+Max+Brenner+Chocolate+Bar+-+Chocolate+Indulgence+%2540+Vivocity+%2528Singapore%2529+%2528Large%2529.jpg
" Because Max Brenner is primarily located in the east coast, everytime I come to NY, I want to go to Max Brenner. I remember a friend had put up pictures on Facebook of her trip to Max Brenner and I told my husband then and there that we needed to go next time we went to NY. love chocolate and I love how this chocolate bar has every variety of combinations you can do with it. It is definitely worth the trip down to the city. "- Rebecca T, Dallas TX
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zndl_R5tt4g/TsPA-dILHOI/AAAAAAAAKuY/CnAwngwx_lc/s1600/01+Max+Brenner+Chocolate+Bar+-+Chocolate+Indulgence+%2540+Vivocity+%2528Singapore%2529+%2528Large%2529.jpg
Broadway Shows, home of one of the most specatular theater productions and muscials is located in NYC. Some of the most popular ones being Hamilton, Aladdin, The Lion King, Wicked, and Phantom of the Opera. The live music and entertainment is what gives the audience the essence of NYC.
http://blogs.wfmt.com/offmic/files/2015/06/broadway-parking.jpg
Raclette NYC, a popular NY restaurant which became popular when people started to share videos of the melted Raclette cheese being scraped into their plate. Cheese lovers make it a point to go and visit this restaurant . This is a prime example of how social media has imploded on the marketing of buisnesses. They way a video or picture is taken helps promote how appetizing the food is which is gold for a buisnesses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6dZSWeVKZk
Conclusion
I have to admit, I probably look at my social media platforms longer than i should. They have a way to keep me interested in what I am looking at. Even if I see a popular food or tourist place I see in NY pop up, I make a mental note to remember to check it out next time I visit the city. Though many people may say it is sad to see that we rely on social media so much when can also say that social media has introduced us to many things and widen our spectrum. But I do have to admit, I do agree with Carrie Miller when she writes, "I think a lot about social media’s role in tourism. Now you can almost curate your whole experience based on the images you see online, and it’s an unnatural approach to travel. It makes me wonder what happened to exploration.” NYC, fortunately is very big and will always have something new and exciting popping up, which is why I love living here.
Citations:
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2.) Buzzfeed, https://www.buzzfeed.com/nycgo/amazing-things-in-nyc?utm_term=.mvomBzbYm7#.uwDzXxA7zM, Accessed 12152017
3.)Entrprenuer, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/286408, Accessed 11052017
4.)Forbes Magazine, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2014/08/11/the-top-10-benefits-of-social-media-marketing/#7d3e23701f80, Accessed 11052017
5.) National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/travel-interests/arts-and-culture/how-instagram-is-changing-travel/, Accessed 11052017
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14.) Ethnographic Interview With Bethsy J , Dec 2 2017, Dallas TX
15.) Ethnographic Interview with Rebecca T, Dec 2 2017, Dallas TX
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1.) The Eater, https://www.eater.com/2015/7/10/8924449/halal-cart-street-food-meat-nyc-cheap-eats, accessed 12102017
2.) Buzzfeed, https://www.buzzfeed.com/nycgo/amazing-things-in-nyc?utm_term=.mvomBzbYm7#.uwDzXxA7zM, Accessed 12152017
3.)Entrprenuer, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/286408, Accessed 11052017
4.)Forbes Magazine, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2014/08/11/the-top-10-benefits-of-social-media-marketing/#7d3e23701f80, Accessed 11052017
5.) National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/travel-interests/arts-and-culture/how-instagram-is-changing-travel/, Accessed 11052017
6.) http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/, Accessed 11232017
7.)) https://cdn.voxcdn.com/thumbor/cvFlX3YJtwTpNv2nsiQuXU7I8s8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3859568/halal-box-jason-lam.0.jpg, accessed 11152017
8.) https://sugarfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Kim-Kardashian-Goblet-edit-600x600.jpg, accessed 12012017
9.) https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cb/cf/8b/cbcf8b42b8f67f53420f222fca91d2d6.png, accessed 12032017
10.) https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKnPwlzUsAAdcvZ.jpg, accesed 12032017
11.) http://blogs.wfmt.com/offmic/files/2015/06/broadway-parking.jpg, accessed 12152017
12.) http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zndl_R5tt4g/TsPA , dILHOI/AAAAAAAAKuY/CnAwngwx_lc/s1600/01+Max+Brenner+Chocolate+Bar+-+Chocolate+Indulgence+%2540+Vivocity+%2528Singapore%2529+%2528Large%2529.jpg, accessed 12102017
13.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6dZSWeVKZk, accessed 12102017
14.) Ethnographic Interview With Bethsy J , Dec 2 2017, Dallas TX
15.) Ethnographic Interview with Rebecca T, Dec 2 2017, Dallas TX
16.)NYC Gov, https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/data-maps/nyc-population/population-facts.page, accessed 12172017
17.) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg/1280px-NYC_wideangle_south_from_Top_of_the_Rock.jpg, accessed 17122017