Pic first, eat later: an investigation into motivations behind the "foodstagramming" phenomenon.

Dyce, Vegas; Marcella-Hood, Madeleine; Pirie, Elliot

Abstract

This research explores the motivations and behaviours behind the social phenomenon of foodstagramming. Qualitative interviews were carried out with Millennial and Gen Z participants who share food-related photographs on Instagram, and foodstagramming was found to be an important and habitual part of the dining experience for these participants. The findings reveal some of the positive effects of foodstagramming, which include memory preservation, identity, belonging and connection. Some negative implications were also uncovered surrounding the pressure felt by foodstagrammers to document their food-related experiences, which sometimes detracted from the lived experience of that moment. Conclusions are drawn around the societal implications of foodstagramming, where the significance of visual culture and food-related aesthetics in the context of the hospitality sector are highlighted.

Citation

DYCE, V., MARCELLA-HOOD, M. and PIRIE, E. 2024. Pic first, eat later: an investigation into motivations behind the "foodstagramming" phenomenon. Hospitality and society [online], 14(3), pages 253-276. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1386/hosp_00086_1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Dec 9, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 1, 2025
• Journal: Hospitality and society
• Print ISSN: 2042-7913
• Publisher: Intellect
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 253-276
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1386/hosp_00086_1
• Keywords: Instagram; Food journalling; Dining; Restaurant culture; Hospitality industry
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2548414