The Culture of Location Withholding in the Context of Natural Area Conservation on Social Media: A Content Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63556/tisej.2026.1936Keywords:
Non-sharing culture, social media, envirmental sustainabity, digtal ethicsAbstract
This study examines social media users’ behavior of consciously refraining from sharing location information related to natural areas within the framework of the concept of “culture of not sharing location.” Nature-related posts on Instagram, which are heavily focused on visuals, sometimes lead to excessive visitor pressure on sensitive ecosystems. In this context, some users avoid providing exact location information while sharing their experiences visually; they justify this stance on the grounds of environmental sensitivity and responsibility. The study analyzed environmental discourses and the justifications for not sharing location information in social media posts using content analysis. The findings indicate that the practice of not sharing location information is motivated by fears of overcrowding, concerns about environmental damage and pollution, and is supported by discourses of ethical responsibility and the protection of natural areas. Furthermore, it was revealed that users not only refrain from sharing location information themselves but also develop a normative communication style that encourages other users to act in the same way. However, it was determined that sharing is not completely eliminated; it continues through photos, text, and hashtags, though location information is consciously restricted. This situation points to a digital communication practice shaped by selective visibility. By bridging the literatures on social media, environmental communication, and digital ethics, this study demonstrates that the behavior of not sharing one’s location goes beyond an individual preference and is positioned as a form of collective environmental responsibility.
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