The relationship of cultural memory and social media

Developments in communication technologies have gained momentum with the emergence of new media tools. Smart technologies based on the Internet and artificial intelligence have also transformed communication practices. Social media has become one of the most critical communication tools that affect our daily lives in this process. Social media, which was used to communicate with close friends and to remember memories, has evolved to fulfil various other functions with the updates introduced every day. In this process, many things previously recorded with traditional communication tools are documented on social media today. In this process, cultural memory, one of the most essential elements that make up the memory of societies is now widely reflected in social media. People who have left their mark on the life of societies are commemorated on social media, and essential cultural places, handicrafts, traditions, lullabies, and folk songs are recorded, remembered, and reminded of through social media. This thesis study aims to discuss the interaction between social media and cultural memory in the context of the uses and gratifications theory. In this context, after discussing social media and cultural memory issues within the conceptual framework, the relationship between these two is examined by giving examples of how accounts are used. In addition, semi-structured in-depth interviews and qualitative research were conducted to reveal the relationship of social media with cultural memory. According to the research, it has been concluded that social media contributes to cultural memory. Thus, this study aims to contribute to memory studies by evaluating the interaction of social media and cultural memory with today's technologies.