Guardianship and Curiosity: A Study on Differences in Cultural Stance among Audiences of Intangible Cultural Heritage Short Videos
Research Article
Open Access
CC BY

Guardianship and Curiosity: A Study on Differences in Cultural Stance among Audiences of Intangible Cultural Heritage Short Videos

Xinyi Dong 1*
1 Shanghai University of Political Science and Law
*Corresponding author: 908293976@qq.com
Published on 5 November 2025
Journal Cover
CHR Vol.98
ISSN (Print): 2753-7072
ISSN (Online): 2753-7064
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-531-8
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-532-5
Download Cover

Abstract

The rapid growth of short video platforms has drawn significant public attention to the dissemination and preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This study examines the divergence in cultural stances among ICH short video audiences, with a particular focus on “cultural guardians” and “cultural tourist”. By analyzing their preferences in video content, discursive interactions, and underlying value orientations, this paper explores the cultural roots and formative mechanisms of such stance differentiation. Findings reveal that the cultural logic of tourists aligns more closely with mainstream consumerism, whereas guardians adhere to a “minority” stance that emphasizes authenticity and historical continuity. This distinction reflects a micro-level tension between tradition and modernity within the digital cultural environment. Although the two groups exhibit clear differences, they are not entirely oppositional. Their ongoing interaction, communication, and negotiation illustrate the coexistence of multiple cultural stances in the digital public sphere. However, Over- spectacle may disengage ICH skills from their original context, reducing them to mere “performative displays.” Ultimately, the enhancement of cultural belonging and the stimulation of “cultural resonance” depend on users’ sustained participation in ICH communication.

Keywords:

Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICH short videos, cultural stance, cultural differences, audience research

View PDF
Dong,X. (2025). Guardianship and Curiosity: A Study on Differences in Cultural Stance among Audiences of Intangible Cultural Heritage Short Videos. Communications in Humanities Research,98,57-65.

References

[1]. Xian, Y. (2021). Research on the Short Video Dissemination of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Liaoning Normal University.

[2]. Lu, D.F., Hu, J.F. (2007). Seeing and Being Seen: The Identity Space of the Audience in Postmodern Media Culture. Nanjing Social Sciences, 12.

[3]. Yuan, K. (2025). Communication Strategies of Chinese Excellent Traditional Culture from the Perspective of Generation Z: Based on the Marxist Standpoint, Media Forum, 12, 56-59.

[4]. Su, C. (2021). "External Environment" and "Linking Key": Thoughts on the Dissemination of Intangible Cultural Heritage Short Videos in the 5G Era: Taking Yi Ethnic Intangible Cultural Heritage as an Example. Journal of Northern Minzu University, 3, 57-63.

[5]. Assmann, J. (2015). Cultural Memory: Texts, Archives, and Identities in Early Advanced Cultures. Peking University Press, 6.

[6]. Zhang, Y.Q., Zhong, L. (2023). Research on the Design Strategies of Public Facilities for Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on the Theory of Cultural Memory. Packaging Engineering, 44(14), 217-223.

[7]. John, F., (2001). Understanding Popular Culture. Beijing: Central Compilation & Translation Press, 149.

[8]. Xu, P.J. (2025). A Communication Perspective on the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Fever" Phenomenon: Cultural Identity, Media Changes and Audience Interaction. New Observations on Media Convergence, 1, 41-45.

[9]. Zhang, Y.B. (2006). The Upside-Down and Upside-Down Again World of Spectacle: A Textual Interpretation of Debord's "The Society of the Spectacle". Journal of Nanjing University (Philosophy, Humanities, Social Sciences), 1, 5-17.

[10]. Randall, C. (2009). Translated by Lin Jurun, Wang Peng, Song Lijun. Interaction Ritual Chains. Beijing: The Commercial Press, 71.

[11]. Li, Z. (2020). Production and Dissemination Strategies of Short Videos of Excellent Traditional Culture. Youth Journalist, 26, 69-70.

[12]. Shen, J.L., Li, W.H. (2022). Research on the Function of Short Video Platforms in the Dissemination of Traditional Culture. Today's Media, 30(04), 18-21.

Cite this article

Dong,X. (2025). Guardianship and Curiosity: A Study on Differences in Cultural Stance among Audiences of Intangible Cultural Heritage Short Videos. Communications in Humanities Research,98,57-65.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICIHCS 2025 Symposium: Literature as a Reflection and Catalyst of Socio-cultural Change

ISBN: 978-1-80590-531-8(Print) / 978-1-80590-532-5(Online)
Editor: Enrique Mallen, Abdullah Laghari
Conference date: 15 November 2025
Series: Communications in Humanities Research
Volume number: Vol.98
ISSN: 2753-7064(Print) / 2753-7072(Online)