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

• Published in: International journal of heritage studies : IJHS Vol. 29; no. 10; pp. 1021 - 1040
• Main Authors: Bonacchi, Chiara, Jones, Siân, Broccoli, Elisa, Hiscock, Alex, Robson, Elizabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 03.10.2023; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: digital methods; Heritage values; injustice; social media; social values; visibilities
• ISSN: 1352-7258; 1470-3610
• DOI: 10.1080/13527258.2023.2231919

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.