The Cross-Cultural Expression of Elderly Music Performances in the Digital Age: A Comparative Analysis of Audience Comments on Short Video Platforms

This study focuses on the music performances of elderly individuals in the digital age, explicitly analyzing viewer comments on YouTube and Douyin short video platforms regarding elderly music performances. The study employs thematic analysis to compare audience comments across both platforms. The findings reveal that YouTube audiences emphasize individual achievement and active aging, viewing music performances as a way to maintain quality of life and foster personal growth. In contrast, Douyin audiences place more importance on emotional connections within the collective and family harmony, perceiving music performances as a means to enhance social value and provide emotional support. Additionally, both platforms' audiences exhibit shared cross-cultural themes regarding emotional resonance, recognition of vitality, and respect for personal artistic achievements. These findings indicate that, despite cultural differences, music functions as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, acting as an emotional bridge for audiences through elderly music performances. This study sheds light on the cross-cultural reception of elderly music performances in the digital age, offering a new perspective on understanding elderly art activities within a global context. The study holds significant implications for music education, active aging, and the transmission of cultural capital.