Being There Live: An Ethnographic Approach for Studying Social Media Use in Mediatized Live Events

While live event experiences have become increasingly mediatized, the prevalence of ephemeral content and diverse forms (semi)private communication in social media platforms complicated study these mediatized as an outsider. This article proposes ethnographic approach to studying from inside, carrying out participatory fieldwork online offline festival environments. I argue that this both stimulates ethical research behavior provides unique insights into practices. To develop argument, apply proposed methodology examine how festival-goers perceive differences between public private, permanent when sharing their through platforms. Drawing on a substantial dataset containing participant observations, diaries, (short situ longer in-depth) interviews with 379 event-goers, demonstrates value for creating thick descriptions digital