Reflections of Turkish folk music listening habits on digital platforms

Abstract

Mass media such as radio and television have traditionally met individuals’ demands for listening to music. However, digital platforms such as YouTube and Spotify provide individuals with access to music whenever they wish, offering significant convenience. This situation allows people to listen to the music they want at any time, leading them to prefer digital platforms more frequently. Consequently, this has created substantial changes in the practices of listening to Turkish Folk Music. In this context, the aim of the study is to identify the reflections of Turkish Folk Music listening habits on digital platforms among individuals living in Adıyaman province. The research was conducted using a descriptive model, one of the qualitative research methods. The data were collected through a survey administered to 644 individuals residing in Adıyaman, in order to determine Turkish Folk Music listening habits. The population of the study consists of individuals who listen to Turkish Folk Music on digital platforms, while the sample includes those living in Adıyaman who listen to Turkish Folk Music on digital platforms. Participants were selected randomly. The survey was conducted via Google Docs. The data were analyzed by presenting simple frequency (f) values and percentage (%) values. The results show that, while genre preferences and platform usage indicate that the traditional folk song form continues to maintain its central position in the perception of Turkish Folk Music, listening practicees have been reshaped in line with the opportunities offered by digital environments.