Embracing the digital landscape: enriching the concept of sense of place in the digital age

The increasing interconnectedness of physical and digital environments through ICT is reshaping human experiences of space and place. This research builds upon the foundational work of Graham (1998) and the subsequent 'digital turn of geography' (Ash et al., 2018), which highlights ICT's transformative impact on geographical understanding. The study centers on the concept of 'sense of place,' a cornerstone in human geography, focusing on the subjective and emotional attachment individuals develop toward specific locations. Given the profound influence of ICT, particularly digital media, this study aims to reconceptualize sense of place from a digital perspective. The research investigates how digital media influences, mediates, and even creates a sense of place, leveraging the burgeoning field of communication geography, which emphasizes the complex interplay between communication processes and spatial dynamics. The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding place experience in the digital age and explore practical applications across various sectors.

The theoretical foundations of sense of place are rooted in the works of phenomenologists like Bachelard and Eliade, who emphasized the emotional bond between individuals and places. Heidegger's concept of 'dwelling' further contributed to this philosophical understanding. Geographers Tuan (1977) and Relph (2007) introduced the concept into human geography, highlighting the cultural, emotional, and experiential dimensions of place. Subsequent research developed concepts like place attachment and applied sense of place to various domains, enriching its theoretical and empirical base. Modernization and globalization have challenged traditional notions of place, leading to concepts like 'placelessness' (Relph, 2007) and the debate around homogenous environments. However, scholars like Harvey (1990) and Massey (1994) offered new interpretations, emphasizing power dynamics and the 'global sense of place,' acknowledging the openness and interconnectedness of places.

This research employs a qualitative methodology, primarily relying on a comprehensive literature review. The study systematically reviews existing literature on sense of place, digital media, and communication geography to build a theoretical framework. The framework is developed inductively, drawing upon key themes and concepts emerging from the reviewed literature. The researchers analyze existing studies to identify how digital media technologies such as spatial media and the metaverse shape and influence the experience of place. The analysis includes an examination of various digital platforms, including social media, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and location-based services, and how these technologies mediate human interactions with both physical and virtual spaces. The resulting three-dimensional framework (physical, digital, and hybrid sense of place) is then applied to several real-world contexts to demonstrate its practical utility and implications.

The study proposes a three-dimensional framework for understanding sense of place in the digital age: 1. **Physical Sense of Place:** This refers to the direct interaction and connection between people and physical places, shaped by activities, perceptions, and experiences. Digital media can enhance this sense of place by providing information, navigation, and cultural insights but can also lead to homogenization. 2. **Digital Sense of Place:** This relates to interactions with virtual spaces created by media technologies. Individuals develop a sense of place through engagement with digital environments, such as online games or virtual reality experiences. These digital places, whether fictional or representations of real-world locations, foster unique perceptions and cognitions. 3. **Hybrid Sense of Place:** This integrates physical and digital experiences, recognizing the intertwined and mutually influencing nature of both. Media experiences and physical experiences can create parallel, competitive, or mutually reinforcing forms of place attachment and place connection. This hybrid sense of place arises from the combined influence of both physical and digital interactions with a location. The framework highlights the interactive nature of sense of place in the digital age and the significant role of media technologies in shaping both physical and digital place perceptions. The study further explores the applications of this reconceptualized sense of place across various sectors: * **Intelligent Urban Planning and Management:** Utilizing sense of place principles in smart city planning can enhance urban sustainability, resident quality of life, and the efficiency of urban governance. Social media plays a crucial role in information dissemination, feedback collection, and fostering emotional connections with urban spaces. * **Community Development and Public Space Creation:** Digital media can be leveraged to strengthen local identity, facilitate social interaction, and enhance community cohesion. The study suggests examining the spatiotemporal impact of digital technologies on social life in public spaces. * **Tourism Marketing and Destination Promotion:** Virtual reality and other digital technologies offer virtual tourism experiences, enhancing attraction and stimulating tourism. Understanding the interplay between tourists' digital and physical place perceptions is crucial for destination branding and competitiveness. * **Immigration and Daily Life:** Digital platforms can assist immigrants in building social networks and support systems, aiding adaptation. Further research is needed to understand whether these digital practices strengthen local ties or exacerbate social isolation.

The findings of this study significantly advance the understanding of sense of place in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The proposed three-dimensional framework offers a more nuanced and holistic perspective than previous models, acknowledging the complex interplay between physical and digital interactions. The framework's application across diverse sectors demonstrates its practical relevance in addressing contemporary challenges in urban planning, community development, tourism, and immigration. The research highlights the importance of considering the potential negative implications of digital technologies, such as homogenization and unequal access, alongside the benefits. Future research should focus on empirical studies to further validate the framework and investigate the specific mechanisms through which digital media shapes sense of place in different contexts. Further exploration into the ethical implications of digital placemaking and the potential for technological control over spatial experiences is also warranted.

This research significantly contributes to the understanding of sense of place in the digital age by proposing a three-dimensional framework that integrates physical, digital, and hybrid experiences. The framework's applicability across various sectors demonstrates its potential to guide sustainable development and enhance human-place interactions. Future research should focus on empirical validation of the framework and exploration of the ethical and power dynamics inherent in digital placemaking.

This study primarily relies on a literature review, limiting its empirical grounding. Future research should incorporate quantitative methods to provide further evidence for the proposed framework. The framework's generalizability might vary across different cultural and technological contexts, suggesting the need for further context-specific studies.