New Normal Third Places After COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study examines the changes of third-place usage in the new normal era –immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic and explains the adaptation strategies of users in using the third places. This is qualitative research in which social media data is used to examine the change in third-place usage before the COVID-19 phase (normal era) and two phases during the new normal era. Mount Lavinia in Sri Lanka is considered for the empirical study. The results of the research found third-place usage in the first phase of the new normal era is lower, compared to the normal era and higher in the second-phase of the new normal era. This implies users adapting to the situation gradually, therefore, there is minimal impact to the new normal third-places. This research suggests planning attempts are necessary to enhance the resilience of third-places to face this sort of pandemic situation.