In an era of information and communication technologies, imaginative and virtual travel have not substituted physical travel but resulted in a network society of multiple mobilities. People are increasingly mobile for maintaining their professional and private social relationships in intermittent face-to-face meetings. So far, we do not know much about the interrelation between travel mobility and social network services (SNSs). With the example of Facebook as the dominating, undisputed SNS of 845 million monthly active users, I will argue how ‘place’-focused features are put under the spotlight of Facebook users’ activities and perceived character. As a platform combining various services, tools, and applications also of third parties, Facebook can influence its users’ mobility habits and expectations of physical traveling. This brings with it important implications for research and practice, since foremostly young generations are concerned and will thus influence future developments.
Table of Contents
1. Introductory Remarks
2. Mobility and Social Network Services in Research
3. Facebook and Place
3.1. Facebook as a Research Object
3.2. The Role of Place on Facebook
4. Synthesis of Travel Mobility and Facebook
4.1. Traveling in the 21st Century
4.2. Explanations for Traveling
4.3. How Facebook Makes a Difference
4.4. For Whom Facebook Makes a Difference
5. Implications for Research and Practice
6. Concluding Remarks
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to explore the interrelation between social network services, specifically Facebook, and physical travel mobility. The author investigates how Facebook's 'place'-focused features influence user habits, generate travel expectations, and potentially impact future transportation demands, particularly among younger generations.
- The role of 'place' features on social media platforms
- The impact of digital social networks on physical travel behavior
- Interconnections between online sharing and offline tourism
- Mobility biographies and the influence of social media on young adults
- Future implications for transportation infrastructure systems
Excerpt from the Book
3.2. The Role of Place on Facebook
Since various updates to its services, tools, and applications have been undertaken in 2011 and early 2012, I cannot fully explain the social network service(s) of/on Facebook (www.facebook.com). Therefore, I will highlight ‘place’ features. This is already apparent in the rather simple profile information, users can and often do provide with regard to their current city, workplace, their high school and university (or other educational institution), and their hometown. The open-graph of the newly introduced timeline as a form of “remote-control autobiography” (Levy 2011) summarizes and archives a user’s ‘biography’ (life events) and activities on Facebook and affiliated/interconnected services chronologically and in order of relevance (depending on fine-tuned algorithms as well as a user’s individual profile settings). Interestingly, these pieces of information often include very precise dates and locations, which might be explained by the importance time and place play in many activities (ranging from when and where I was born to when and where I graduated etc.).
A user can search her/his list of Facebook friends by current city, school, workplace, hometown, and interest. These categories hint to the role location plays on Facebook.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introductory Remarks: This chapter introduces the topic by observing the prevalence of location-based updates on Facebook and establishes the focus on personal travel mobility as a significant area of study.
2. Mobility and Social Network Services in Research: The author frames the research by discussing the "mobilities paradigm" and the differentiation between physical, imaginative, and virtual travel.
3. Facebook and Place: This section justifies the choice of Facebook as a research object and examines specific features like the timeline, status updates, and photo tagging that emphasize place and location.
4. Synthesis of Travel Mobility and Facebook: This chapter explores how SNSs and travel co-evolve, explaining how Facebook's features drive both functional and experience-focused travel, especially among young adults.
5. Implications for Research and Practice: The author suggests future research directions, such as tracking the correlation between SNS data sharing and physical travel, and addresses potential impacts on transportation infrastructure.
6. Concluding Remarks: The paper concludes by reiterating that SNSs are integral to modern life and have become a catalyst for enhancing rather than substituting physical travel.
Keywords
Facebook, Travel Mobility, Social Network Services, Place, Digital Networking, Mobility Paradigms, Frictionless Sharing, Tourism, Young Generations, Network Society, Intermittent Face-to-Face Meetings, Transportation Infrastructure, User-Generated Content, Location-based Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the relationship between social network services, using Facebook as a primary case study, and physical travel mobility in the 21st century.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The study covers the intersection of digital social networking, geographical 'place' features on social platforms, individual travel motivations, and the resulting impacts on global mobility patterns.
What is the primary research question?
The research explores how the 'place'-focused features of Facebook influence and potentially amplify users' physical travel habits and their expectations regarding travel destinations.
Which scientific methods were applied in this work?
The paper utilizes a qualitative research approach, synthesizing existing literature on the "mobilities paradigm," analyzing platform-specific features, and providing illustrative case examples to hypothesize future trends.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical framework of mobilities, a detailed analysis of Facebook's place-centric tools, explanations for travel (functional vs. experience-focused), and the specific behaviors of young user demographics.
Which keywords characterize the study?
Key terms include Facebook, Travel Mobility, Social Network Services, Place, Frictionless Sharing, Mobility Biographies, and Transportation Infrastructure.
How does Facebook’s "timeline" feature relate to physical travel?
The timeline acts as a "remote-control autobiography" that chronicles a user's life events, often involving tagged locations and dates, which reinforces the importance of place and inspires curiosity about travel among the user's network.
How do the author's constructed examples illustrate the findings?
The examples of an auto mechanic apprentice and a young cook working abroad demonstrate that high mobility and the influence of SNSs extend beyond the stereotypical "international student" and represent a broader generational shift.
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- M.A. Renard Teipelke (Autor:in), 2012, Facebook and Travel Mobility, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/264477
