After SHIFT: A mixed-methods study into changing nightlife behavior

The project After SHIFT: A mixed-methods study into changing nightlife behavior builds upon previous insights from the SHIFT research and aims to investigate contemporary nightlife in Flanders more broadly and in greater depth. While the earlier research focused primarily on students, this project involves various age groups and combines multiple research methods to gain a nuanced picture of nightlife behavior, experiences, and evolutions.

The research focuses on how nightlife is shaped and experienced today, and which factors—such as social media, health, safety, connectedness, and societal trends—influence this behavior. To this end, a mixed-methods design is employed, consisting of quantitative and qualitative research methods such as a survey, focus groups, participatory observations of various nightlife contexts, and a discourse analysis of TikTok content. This combination allows for the mapping of broad behavioral patterns as well as individual motives, experiences, and new trends and practices.

The expected results include insights into motivation, barriers, and trends within nightlife, and the identification of innovative and future-oriented practices. These insights are translated into concrete recommendations and tools for various stakeholders.

The project aims to increase impact on both nightlife stakeholders and the nightlife audience through the expansion of know-how. In this way, the project contributes to the development of a safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable nightlife landscape that better aligns with the needs of diverse audience groups and societal developments.