Researching heritage values in social media environments: understanding variabilities and (in)visibilities

Citation

Bonacchi C, Jones S, Broccoli E, Hiscock A & Robson E (2023) Researching heritage values in social media environments: understanding variabilities and (in)visibilities. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 29, pp. 1021-1040. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2023.2231919

Abstract
This article adopts a reflexive methodology, called rapid logging, to examine how heritage values relating to the same heritage ‘thing’ are variously crafted by the mutual agencies of human and non-human actors on and with social media. In the process, it also explores the (in)visibilities produced through the heritage value assemblages co-curated by researchers with other actors including social media platforms and data, past objects, places and practices. The analysis focuses on the values associated with a specific case study, the area once occupied by the Old Gas Works, in North Canongate, Edinburgh, UK. Our conclusions demonstrate the importance of multi-platform and reflexive research to develop contextual and critical understandings of heritage value assemblages that can lead to fairer decision-making in heritage and more just societies.

Keywords
Heritage values; social values; digital methods; social media; visibilities; injustice

Journal
International Journal of Heritage Studies: Volume 29

People

Professor Sian Jones

Professor of Heritage, History

Dr Elizabeth Robson

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, History