Changing scenes : the impacts of social media on Singapore’s heavy metal scene

Social networking services (SNS) such as Facebook has caused a shift in the way people interact with each other and construct their identities. Looking at the Singapore metal scene, this study seeks to understand the way Facebook has changed the interactions within the scene and how notions of identity and authenticity has shifted. In-depth interviews with members of the scene, as well as analysis of a local metal Facebook Group seek to find out more about how Facebook has affected the behaviours and attitudes towards these topics. Findings suggest that Facebook has not only not resulted in the reduction of the importance of face-to-face interactions, but rather act as an extension to the offline scene. It is also suggested that notions of authenticity has also changed.Bachelor of Art