Research Information System
in: Digital Transformation in Sport and Recreation (Media, Communication, Policy, and Future Trends), Prof. Dr. Hanife Banu Ataman Yancı,Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Sinan Avcı, Editor, Gazi Kitabevi, Ankara, pp.61-71, 2025
Digital transformation has profoundly altered the structure of leisure and
entertainment practices, reshaping how individuals access, experience, and
participate in entertainment. The increasing integration of digital technologies
into daily life has pushed entertainment beyond physical spaces, enabling new
forms of participation through online platforms, mobile applications, and
social media environments. Social media, in particular, is present in a wide
range of areas, from shopping and health to sports, dating sites, personal
development, and marketing (Avcı, 2023). As a result, entertainment policies
have entered a new phase where digital dimensions are no longer merely
complementary but integrated into policy design and implementation (Gibson,
2017).
Traditionally, recreation policies focused on the provision and
management of physical facilities such as parks, sports centers, and cultural
venues. However, in the digital age, these policies must also address virtual
participation, online communities, and hybrid leisure experiences that
combine physical and digital elements. This shift has compelled public
institutions to reconsider their responsibilities and adapt their strategies in
response to technological change (OECD, 2020).
Within this context, municipalities, universities, and public institutions
play a central role in shaping inclusive and sustainable recreation systems. At
the same time, digital accessibility has emerged as a critical policy concern,
as unequal access to technology and digital skills can limit participation and
reinforce existing social inequalities. Moreover, new media practices
increasingly influence recreational engagement by fostering interaction, visibility, and community formation across digital platforms (Hutchins &
Rowe, 2012).
This chapter examines recreation policies in the digital age through three
interrelated dimensions: the institutional roles of municipalities, universities,
and public organizations; digital accessibility as a core policy issue; and
examples of recreation and new media practices from Turkey and the global
context. By adopting an institutional and policy-oriented perspective, the
chapter aims to contribute to the literature on recreation management and
digital transformation.