Utilization of Social Networking Sites in Tourism and Leisure by Young People Living in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area: Transcending “Instagenic”

Abstract

2018 8 31 2018 11 3 SNS SNS SNS SNS SNS SNS SNS SNS ICT The author analyzed the utilization of social networking sites SNS in tourism and leisure activities by young people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area, focusing on the difference between the information environments in destinations and individual differences in influence on SNS. Young people rely particularly on SNS posts generated by influencers when searching for and transmitting their own information on tourism and leisure attractions. They refer to information from companies and their friends rather than on that provided by local governments and tourism associations on SNS. They recognize the difference in information volume and distribution speed on destinations and utilize the personal social relationships expanded by SNS to avoid acquiring and reposting information on places judged mediocre by others to improve the quality of their tourism and leisure experiences. These young people intentionally utilize ICT to enjoy tourism and leisure effectively in a mutual surveillance society. SNS