The Investigation of Live Streaming Experience as a Digital Leisure Activity Through the Case of Hellfest

Authors : Ahmet Elnur

Pages : 69-87

Doi:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13953281

View : 2 | Download : 1

Publication Date : 2024-10-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The purpose of this study is to reveal the main characteristics of participation in live-streamed music festivals as a new form of digital leisure and to examine in depth how digital platforms transform the music festival experience. In this regard, the audience comments during the YouTube live streaming of Hellfest, which was held on June 27-30, 2024, in Clisson, France, were analyzed by the qualitative content analysis method. As a result of the data analysis conducted within the framework of the Miles-Huberman model; the themes of digital festival experience, music consumption and fan interaction, and the intersection of physical and digital festival experiences were obtained. Within the context of these themes, the research findings show that while live-streamed music festivals are unable to fully replace the experience provided by physical attendance, they offer the potential to reach a wider audience by overcoming geographical and economic barriers. At this point, the re-evaluation of digital festival experiences as a subcultural leisure activity becomes functional in understanding new forms of subcultural participation in the digital age by reinforcing a sense of belonging and community among the audience. Therefore, considering the potential of digital leisure opportunities to create new spaces for social groups becomes crucial.
Keywords : Digital Leisure, Hellfest, Live Streaming, Music Festival, Subcultural Leisure.