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Binging, bonding, and third spaces: social media’s culinary impact
How digital platforms are redefining spaces for connection and community
Canadian winters are long, cold, and perfect for hunkering down with a warm blanket and your favorite distractions. One particularly snowy afternoon, I found myself glued to YouTube, watching videos of people trying foods from around the world — street food tours, traditional meals, and even modern twists on cultural classics. It was fascinating and comforting, but it also made me think about something deeper:
how these videos create what we call “third spaces.”
A third space, in a nutshell, is where different cultures and communities intersect. It’s not home or work, but somewhere in between — a neutral ground where people can share ideas, stories, and experiences. Traditionally, this might be a mall, gym, neighborhood cafe or a community center. But in today’s world, third spaces often exist online, in places like YouTube comment sections or TikTok trends. These digital spaces become hubs where people connect over shared curiosity, even if they’re continents apart.
The videos I watched that afternoon weren’t just about food. They were about exploring identity, history, and culture. When someone bit into a plate of spicy biryani for the…