A city within the US state of Vermont closed roads to tourists in September 2023 after a social media tag sparked a swarm of tourists that overwhelmed the village.
The TikTok videos were viewed by 1000’s and the hashtag #sleepyhollowfarm went viral, prompting a large rush of tourists to the beautiful New England town of Pomfret, where visitors tried to take photos against the agricultural backdrop. The city famous for its autumn foliage criticized it as problematic and a part of “impact tourism”. travel trend where the social media phenomenon can create an awesome and unexpected surge in visitors.
Traditionally, we predict of tourists as traveling to achieve recent experiences. They visit places, take photos and collect souvenirs. However, this relationship between tourist and tourist is changing.
Led by 24/7 access to social mediasome tourists now travel mainly to experience it looks good on the Internet. About 75% of individuals responding to a recent American Express survey said social media inspired them to go to a spot. Some tourists could also be asked to pick a destination after sighting background popular on social media or televisionto create a high-status photo.
The expansion of social media and the ubiquity of smartphone cameras have caused this great influence on tourists’ behavior. This also led to the so-called selfie “tourist gaze”creating photos through which the main target is on the traveler, not the destination.
Indeed, my research shows that some tourists go somewhere an increasing number of often get noticed – ability to be followed by others each online and in person at these destinations.
You’re searching for drama
Studies have shown how tourists go to particularly dramatic or luxurious destinations attributable to their social media links. For example, Dubai, with its glittering culture and exclusive shopping, has turn out to be a playground for influencers they’re searching for an opulent background that can complement their star-like image.
Tasfoto/Alamy
Some tourists prefer to be photographed in prestigious locations quite than having their photos taken travel area. Others select act like mini-stars and appear in front of the camera, expecting and wanting people they meet to take a look at them – and even talking about their participation in extreme events.
One of them is Rickshaw Run, a 2000 km race across India. This adventure tourism event encourages participants to decorate up, act eccentric and be noticed. Driving in tuk-tuks across India, from Kerala to Darjeeling, the vehicles are personalized with eye-catching designs. Many participants film themselves and submit results on social media, and events normally attract a big variety of followers. For example, this YouTube video series created by Rickshaw Run participants has attracted 3.6 million subscribers:
However, a few of these tourist “performances” could also be controversial. For example, climbing sensitive archaeological sites trying to find social media content can damage them. Posing for laughs in areas considered sacred may offend. Reduction of cultures to backgrounds for social media content may suggest an absence of interest or respect for hosts on the a part of tourists.
My research shows a rise narcissism in societyand connects it to tourists’ expectations towards travel and how they behave while traveling. This could also be reflected in an increased sense of entitlement and exhibitionism amongst tourists who need to take photos in, for instance, harder-to-reach places or inaccessible areas.
Selfie culture might be being promoted self-commitment, not social responsibility. It is common knowledge that tourists could also be selfishputting their own comfort and entertainment above concern for local matters. This is particularly true for the super-rich. Private jet users are answerable for half of worldwide aviation emissions.
However, there could also be a desire to advertise the person and his or her values used for promotion more sustainable tourism. Volunteers abroad could also be motivated by the image-improving opportunities that include doing good, but they often offer something in return to the social and natural environment their destinations during.
There are signs that there may be one other trend in tourism, where travelers are searching for deep and meaningful experiences, and ecotourism may also help provide these. The act of traveling in a more environmentally friendly way will also be seen as a strategy to exhibit while also providing selfie material.
There could also be environmental benefits and downsides to the tourist’s self-obsession at issue. However, this inward focus might be not good for the tourists themselves. According to 1 person, for instance, the need to “be in front of a camera” can impact people’s mental health test.
Research has shown this unexpected encounters help tourists gain insight into themselves. Moreover, stepping out of your comfort zone can result in satisfying personal development.
Disconnection between self and place
Taking more selfies can cut people off from their surroundings. By doing this, they may do it less present within the travel experience itself. Actually, growing number With selfie-related tourist deaths may indicate a disconnection between self and place. AND Report 2018 It is estimated that 259 people died while taking selfies between 2011 and 2017.
Other research suggests that this will likely be done by people motivated by the need to present a particular image on the Internet takes risks more often with travel selfies, which could have potentially fatal consequences.
Tourists have at all times been self-obsessed. 18th century Great journeya leisurely journey around Europe allowed the wealthy to achieve this afford yourself IN ways which can not have been socially acceptable at home. And firstly of the twenty first century scientists are nervous committed backpacker communities in Southeast Asia who’ve little interest in interacting with local people.
Smartphones and social media differ in that they permit some tourists to immediately display such permissive and sometimes insensitive tourist characteristics. Wi-Fi and mobile data mean these tourists can travel with one eye, trying to find the right selfie backdrop – filtering and sharing their journey in real time, replying to likes and comments.
For higher or worse, fulfilling influencer fantasies could have turn out to be an integral a part of tourism for some time.
