Interaction Ritual Chains Research Articles

Paradoxes of Displeasure: Understanding Collegiate Hookup Culture's Resilience to Negative Emotional Energy

Most US college students express ambivalence toward collegiate sexual cultures. Why, then, do hookup cultures persist? This article uses Interaction Ritual Theory to explore five emotional pathways through hookup culture: interaction ritual chains with distinct emotional trajectories. At least four are argued to potentially reproduce hookup culture, but only one produces primarily positive emotions. This analysis suggests hookup cultures can persist despite producing widespread negative emotions. I conclude that, while robust social scenes are previously believed to include high levels of positive emotions, it may rather be the mix of positive and negative energy that gives social scenes their power.

Interactive Ceremony Chain of Hanfu Culture and Tourism Industry in the Digital Age - Taking Xi'an Hanfu Culture and Tourism as an Example

This study explores how cultural tourism enhances cultural identity through interaction ritual chains and self-congruity theory. It examines how tourists’ self-concepts align with destination images, focusing on emotional experiences, behaviors, and social dynamics at heritage sites. Through in-depth interviews with 10 tourists, the research identifies factors that influence loyalty, satisfaction, and cultural identity. Using a mixed-methods approach with qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, the study shows how interaction rituals and emotional energy shape tourists' experiences and collective identity. This research offers new insights into destination branding, self-image congruence, and cultural engagement in cultural tourism.

Role of Rituals in Strengthening Community Bonds in Netherlands

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the role of rituals in strengthening community bonds in Netherlands. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In the Netherlands, rituals play a significant role in strengthening community bonds by fostering social cohesion and a shared sense of identity. Events such as Carnival serve as communal celebrations where individuals engage in collective activities, reinforcing social ties and cultural continuity. These rituals often involve role reversals and symbolic acts that allow participants to step outside their daily roles, promoting unity and mutual understanding. Such practices not only preserve cultural heritage but also adapt to contemporary contexts, ensuring their relevance and continued impact on community cohesion. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social solidarity theory, interaction ritual chains theory & costly signaling theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of rituals in strengthening community bonds in Netherlands. Community leaders and organizers should create rituals that are accessible and meaningful to all members, regardless of their backgrounds. Policymakers should fund and promote programs that encourage the preservation and adaptation of traditional rituals, as well as the creation of new ones, to strengthen community ties.

Rituals of resentment: How dark emotional energy fuels incel identity and solidarity

The incel community presents an intriguing case within social movement studies, marked by a collective sense of victimhood, a negative collective identity, and a self-deprecating view that starkly contrasts with the positive self-image and objectives typical of most social movements. This discrepancy raises questions about what motivates members to continually engage with the community. This study conducts online observations and discourse analysis to offer an in-depth examination of the community's interaction patterns, discursive practices, and ideological beliefs. Using Randall Collins’ Interaction Ritual Chain framework, the analysis uncovers a paradoxical emotional landscape, challenging traditional models of social interactions and emotional energy as described in his framework. Contrary to the anticipated positive emotional outcomes from successful interaction rituals, incels predominantly display negative emotional expressions, which are transformed into discursive symbols fundamental to group identity. This dynamic is especially evident in discussions of suicide, where members frequently and actively encourage each other to take their own lives. The study elaborates on Collins’ theory by proposing the concept of “dark emotional energy” to elucidate the dynamics that not only perpetuate harmful group dynamics but also bolster a collective sense of belonging, providing insights into the complex mechanisms through which destructive ideologies are maintained within online communities.

From Unidirectional to Bidirectional: The Reshaping of Symbolic Communication by Youth Behaviors in the Tiananmen Flag-Raising Ceremony

The participation of Chinese youth in the Tiananmen flag-raising ceremony represents a feedback mechanism within the national apparatus for promoting patriotic education. This feedback is evidenced not only by the frequent choices of young people to wake up early or forgo sleep during public holidays to secure front-row positions at the ceremony but also by their practice of uploading personal videos of the event to social media platforms. As a symbolic act, the flag-raising ceremony conveys profound meanings of state authority, historical legacy, and national identity. For the youth, it is not merely a recurring ritual but an emotional expression of their connection to the nation, society, and collective heritage. Within the framework of the Interaction Ritual Chain theory, the symbolic communication of the flag-raising ceremony has traditionally been perceived as unidirectional, directed from the state to its citizens. However, the widespread dissemination of related VLOGs, videos, and images on social media in recent years has enriched the ceremony’s symbolic significance and created new layers of meaning. When “running at dawn to witness the flag-raising” becomes a behavioral symbol, traditional symbols such as “Tiananmen Square,” “the Five-Star Red Flag,” and “the military’s marching step” evolve into “historical imagery” to a certain extent. Concurrently, the act of running at dawn reflects the youth’s active engagement with and reinterpretation of these symbols within the context of the flag-raising ceremony. This process of reverse symbolic interaction, initiated by youth participation, completes the theoretical framework of the Interaction Ritual Chain by forming a closed loop of symbolic interaction.

Harnessing computational techniques to analyze and enhance fandom engagement through interaction ritual chains

Abstract. This study explores the application of Interaction Ritual Chains (IRC) theory and computational techniques to analyze and enhance fandom engagement within the Chinese Australian community. By integrating sentiment analysis, social network analysis, and gender-based language analysis, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of how emotional energy, shared focus, and bodily synchronization contribute to fan interactions. We employ a predictive mathematical model to quantify these IRC components and their impact on engagement, leveraging data mining, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning. The findings reveal the dynamics of fan behavior and offer insights into personalized content recommendations, gamification, and virtual reality experiences to foster deeper emotional bonds and sustained engagement. This study bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, providing a robust foundation for future research on digital fandoms.

Cultural Practice, Artistic Expression and Online Interaction in the Context of Contemporary Chinese Patriotism: A Case Study of Awakening Lion (醒·狮)

ABSTRACT Limited research has addressed how drama balances censorship and commercial gain with political correctness and profitability. By applying interaction ritual chains theory and digital ethnography, this article examines how audiences of Awakening Lion generate emotional energy, enhance national spirit and patriotism, and spill over these energies into commercial consumption through online interactions. We argue that Awakening Lion uses intangible cultural heritage and collective memory to strengthen cultural approval and national identity among audiences. The shared identities and moral beliefs fostered by emotional energy further promote the nation's aesthetic and commercial potential.

상호작용 의례 사슬의 관점에서 본 가상 아이돌 팬 커뮤니티의 상호작용 분석 -'뤄톈이'(洛天依:Luo Tianyi) 팬 커뮤니티를 중심으로-

상호작용 의례 사슬의 관점에서 본 가상 아이돌 팬 커뮤니티의 상호작용 분석 -'뤄톈이'(洛天依:Luo Tianyi) 팬 커뮤니티를 중심으로-

The victims' shoes trope and emerging solidarity in political protest

AbstractBy providing an overview of the rich and surprising ways in which the victims' shoes trope becomes utilised in political protests as the focus of interaction ritual chains, this article elaborates on the three distinct ways through which moral communities of solidarity position themselves. Firstly, moral communities are often formed around aspects of large‐scale atrocities such as commemoration, victimhood and past injustices that, I argue, strengthen nationalist sentiments. The second type of moral communities of solidarity are those that demand ‘rights’ and claim ‘duties’ for promoting particular sectoral agendas. In the third type, the shoes serve to build solidarities that are future‐oriented and aim at promoting universal human rights. By using Goffman's Frame Theory and Collins' Interaction Ritual Chain Theory, this article analyses protests from around the world in which the victims' shoes trope has been utilised to tackle a wide range of subjects—gun and domestic violence, unemployment, Covid‐19 policies, institutional abuse, road safety, commemorations, antiwar and climate protests and more.

Research on the International Communication Effect of “Genshin Impact” on YouTube From the Perspective of Interaction Ritual Chain Theory

Research on the International Communication Effect of “Genshin Impact” on YouTube From the Perspective of Interaction Ritual Chain Theory

On the cult of the individual: The Quantified Self public gatherings, self-tracking, and individualism

The article explores the relationship between individualism and group affiliation in the context of self-tracking technology. Prior research establishes that self-tracking fosters both self-focus and collective interactions. The article proposes that Durkheim’s notion of the cult of the individual offers a lens to understand the interplay of individualism and group formation in self-tracking. The notion of the cult of the individual suggests that individualism can be a source of public gatherings. While Durkheim’s notion remained largely untested for over a century, this study aims to build upon Durkheim’s framework by operationalizing it using Collins’s interaction ritual theory. By operationalizing the cult of the individual as a specific form of interaction ritual, we can analyze the collective mechanisms at play within the Quantified Self movement. This group organizes a community of self-trackers who share personal data during public gatherings. The article explores these public gatherings by deciphering their video recordings. Quantified Self-individualist gatherings are constituted by the co-presence of self-focused people, presenting one after the other their personal data following a script, and defending individuals against profaning situations. Quantified Self gatherings formed a transnational interaction ritual chain in approximately 71 cities on four continents, confirming that individualist gatherings can achieve a wide diffusion. Therefore, this original operationalization of Durkheim’s notion of the cult of the individual illustrates its enduring relevance and potential for broader application.

Ritualized host-tourist interaction and storytelling intentions: the roles of sense of belonging and group size

Guided by interaction ritual chains theory, this research assesses the relationship of ritualized host-tourist interactions on sense of belonging and storytelling intentions, using group size (small vs. moderate vs. large) as a moderating variable. Three studies were conducted using different ritual contexts (i.e. tea, bonfire, wedding). Findings suggested that the intensity of host-tourist interactions (strong vs. weak) impacts tourists’ sense of belonging and storytelling intentions. The research also found that sense of belonging mediates, while group size moderates, the relationship of ritualized host-tourist interaction with storytelling intentions. When group size was moderate (small, large), the impact of strong ritualized host-tourist interactions was greater (not significantly different), relative to weak interaction conditions. Theoretical and practical takeaways are provided.

Evaluating the effect of face recognition technology on citizens’ happiness

ABSTRACT Face recognition technology (FRT) has a significant impact on citizens’ lives. Based on involvement theory, interaction ritual chain theory, social interaction theory, and the task-technology fit (TTF) model, this study evaluates the effect of FRT on citizens’ happiness. We conducted data collection in a Chinese region widely using FRT, with 653 effective samples, using structural equation models to evaluate the data. Finally, we draw five novel and valuable conclusions. First, task characteristics have a significant positive influence on TTF, but a similar effect is not evident between TTF and technical characteristics. Second, cognitive involvement positively affects positive emotion, which subsequently positively affects actual use. Third, TTF has a significant positive impact on actual use, which can also be transmitted through positive emotion. Fourth, actual use and positive emotion have a significant positive effect on feedback interaction. Fifth, feedback interaction has a significant positive effect on happiness, and this impact can also be transmitted through social connection. A potential contribution of this study is its theoretical framework and empirical model, which integrate the similarities and differences between FRT and other technologies used to meet citizens’ needs, revealing respondents’ reactions to and appreciation for FRT.

Return to Reality: Speculative Design of Interaction Ritual Chains and Exploration of Alone Together

“Alone together” is an ever-changing “wicked problem.” In this research and practice, the author tries to combine experience design, referring to the theory of “interaction ritual chain theory,” and creatively add interactive experience to discursive works, so that the audience can think between the real and the virtual.

Interaction rituals in a crisis: The case of COVID-19 in China

Interaction rituals in a crisis: The case of COVID-19 in China

Mechanisms of Emotional Experiences of Online Spectators of E-Sports Events From the Perspective of Interactive Ritual Chain

E-sports events play a crucial role as significant entertainment activities and platforms for emotional interaction among the public. This study seeks to delve into the processes underlying the emotional experiences of online spectators during interactive rituals within e-sports events. It employs the core concept of emotional energy within interaction ritual chains as framework for analysis. To accomplish this, we conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 20 online spectators actively engaged in the League of Legends professional league. These interviews specifically targeted their emotions, feelings, evaluations, behaviors, and other relevant experiences both preceding, during, and subsequent to spectating. Our analysis revealed four distinct stages within the emotional energy change process: emotional arousal, immersion, climax, and continuity. These stages collectively culminate in the formulation of a dynamic, continuous, and cyclical emotional energy model. Notably, spectators adeptly employ various emotional regulation strategies to mitigate the impact of disruptive factors. The integration of ritual symbols, coupled with the positive feedback loop of emotional energy, serves to connect the five identified stages and establish a cohesive cyclic upward mechanism. These findings not only offer unique insights into the micro-level emotional experiences of online spectators but also hold practical implications for the effective management of e-sports events.

Conflation between ‘Public Good’ and ‘Greater Good’ in the Context of Research Impact

Abstract This study sets out to conceptually distinguish between ‘public’ and ‘greater good’ in respect to research impact claims. We argue that the former is a category reflective of genuine benefit for the wider public, while the latter merely represents a rhetorical category to pursue the ends of a select few. Methodologically, we showcase that only within the actual research conduct is it possible to distinguish between these two categories. Likewise, without acknowledging methodological limitations, researchers may contribute to post-truth predicaments in the sense that the interaction ritual chains they are using constitute a mere rhetorical flourish rather than a rigorous argument for genuine benefit. We conclude with an appeal to future scrutiny for how researchers can retain their integrity in this new research impact discourse. We argue that an uncritical use of impact arguments may undermine the very social fabric that makes scientific pursuits possible.

Research on the Relationship Between Emotional Energy and Revisit Intention in Camping Tourism: Based on Structural Equation Model

Camping tourism was more popular during the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, which made camping tourism a crucial part of the worldwide tourism industry. However, previous research did not fully study camping tourism from a comprehensive perspective, just focused on the environment or peer interaction, as a result, they are hard to deeply understand the nature of camping tourism. In this paper, we introduce the tourism field theory and interaction ritual chain theory to construct our model and test the model with the method of structural equation model. After testing the model, we find: (1) The tourism field can significantly and positively affect individual tourist’s emotional energy; (2) Interaction ritual can significantly positively affect the emotional energy of individual tourists; (3) The emotional energy of tourists can significantly positively affect the revisit intention; (4) There is a significant mutual positive influence between the tourism filed and the interaction ritual. Based on the research conclusions, the study provides theoretical support and reference suggestions for tourism planners and product designers from three aspects: emphasizing the construction of the tourism field, providing opportunities for interaction rituals, and developing diversified tourism projects.

Memorable interactive experiences between hosts and guests in B&Bs and their generation process: The host perspective

Memorable interactive experiences between hosts and guests in B&Bs and their generation process: The host perspective

Immigrant-critical alternative media in online conversations.

In this work, we explore the role of immigrant-critical alternative media in shaping collective emotions and users' evaluations of the immigration issue, using a conversational approach and an empirical case of Flashback, a prominent Swedish online platform where many immigration-related discussions take place. Our text and network-based analysis of more than 9,000 conversations during the last election period reveals that the platform users consume and distribute diverging types of media content across a wide ideological spectrum which, however, has a limited influence on the evolution of conversations and users' stances in the immigration debate. Nevertheless, we find that the conversation networks with alternative media content tend to include more negative evaluations of the immigration issue, attracting fewer participants and lasting less than other conversations. We contextualise our findings using Collins' Interaction Ritual Chains (IRC) theory and discuss the conditions under which such online conversations can produce high user involvement and, potentially, participants' radicalisation.