Chapter 17: Using social media for research and monitoring the changing landscape of public land use

Abstract

In chapter 7 of this report, Francisco Valenzuela discussed how digital technology is changing the character of recreational experiences on public lands. Chapter 17 highlights the potential and pitfalls of using social media in research and monitoring on public lands. Recent research has revealed that social media can be a powerful tool in quantifying visitor use and utility on public lands. It can also provide managers with rich qualitative information about visitor experiences, satisfaction, and engagement that can be leveraged to achieve a more enjoyable recreation experience while creating more resilient ecosystems. In this chapter, we also highlight some challenges that the use of social media data entails, such as the need to validate models relying on “noisy” data. Managers may also need to become better versed with a wide variety of social media technology, as well as to understand how social media use varies with visitor goals and backgrounds. We end with a reflection on how this technology is transforming the management of public lands and enhancing the relationship between people and the outdoors.

Parent Publication

• Igniting research for outdoor recreation: linking science, policy, and action

Citation

Sachdeva, Sonya. 2020. Chapter 17: Using social media for research and monitoring the changing landscape of public land use. In: Selin, Steven; Cerveny, Lee K.; Blahna, Dale J.; Miller, Anna B., eds. 2020. Igniting research for outdoor recreation: linking science, policy, and action. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-987. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 245-257.