Distribution characteristics and relationship between virtual- and real-imagery hotspots as influenced by social media: a case study of Changsha City

Abstract

Social media closely links virtual and real spaces, and this connection can influence the distribution of a city’s imagery hotspots. This study used point of interest data and site visit data from Tiktok to compare the characteristics of two spatial imagery hotspot types in Changsha as influenced by social media in terms of type characteristics, distribution pattern, and spatial relationships at both the macro- and meso-scales. Using methods such as buffer analysis, hotspot analysis, and bivariate spatial autocorrelation to research on imagery hotspot distribution, correlation, and differentiation in virtual – real spatial interaction, the result shows the following: 1) The impact of social media on different types of the city image is not balanced, having a greater impact on architectural landmarks and commercial consumption; 2) The distribution characteristics of image hotspots in virtual space and real space does not align, virtual space is more in line with the development strategy of cities; 3) Social media has a polarizing effect on city image, but is also less constrained by spatial form; 4) Social media has a certain restructuring effect on city image, and grouped city image in two spatial clustering types – enhanced and diminishing image spaces.

Keywords

• distribution characteristics
• imagery hotspot
• social media
• virtual and real space
• changsha city