Research Title
Investigating a technology-enabled human-nature relationship in the digital age: A qualitative study on the Internet office workers in Beijing and the digital nomads in Dali, China
More about Xiaoxue Chen
Education
- 2023-present: MPhil/PhD in Human Geography, University College London, UK
- 2019-2022: MS in Human Geography, Peking University, China
- 2016-2019: BA in Theory and History of Arts, Peking University, China
- 2015-2019: BS in Human Geography and Urban-Rural Planning, Peking University, China
Work
- July 2022-June 2023: Research Assistant in Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong
Publications
- Chen, X., & Feng, J. (2024). The multiple construction of place of Songzhuang Art District from the perspective of media geography. Progress in Geography. [In Chinese] (Accepted)
- Chen, X., & Feng, J. (2021). The methodological innovation and geographical application of mobile positioning data: A review of studies by Rein Ahas. Human Geography, 36(5), 44-52. [In Chinese]
- Chen, X., & Feng, J. (2020). Clarification and research progress of urban spatial concepts. Urban Development Studies, 27(12), 62-69. [In Chinese]
Research Interests
This project does not aim to seek a definite answer to the question of whether mobile technologies are bringing people closer to or farther from nature in the digital age. Instead, it aims to ask how the use of mobile technologies influences people’s participation in the natural environment and their natural experience when they are out there.
This requires standing closer to people, examining the scenarios and details carefully, and analysing them from the perspective of everyday practices. In this process, both structural force (work culture, social norms, technological power) and personal agency (reflection, negotiation, adaptation and adjustment) will be considered.
This research will not only investigate a technology-enabled human-nature relationship that is happening in contemporary society but also provide a concrete dimension of examining how mobile technologies have changed people’s habits and lifestyles of engaging with physical space and real environment.