Space Connected, Emotion Shared: Investigating Users of Digital Chinese Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Empowered by the Internet and digital technology, Chinese cultural heritage can intuitively convey its historical stories and share its esthetic art with online users via “social + intelligence + sharing.” Using a survey (N = 783) and semi structured interview (N = 20), adapting and extending the theoretical framework of the third space and interactive ritual chain, this paper analyzes online users’ perceptions, emotions, and actions toward digital Chinese cultural heritage. The results indicate that the technology-enabled communication of digital cultural heritage can construct a kind of third cultural space (immersion & interculturality) where the interactive ritual chain can continuously drive and superimpose online users’ emotional energy. Such emotional energy is a kind of common human emotion that can transcend nationalities. During this process, traditional Chinese culture, popular culture, and global culture are connected.