Z KUŞAĞI NIN SOKAK YİYECEKLERİNE KARŞI NEOFOBİK YAKLAŞIMLARI: FOTOSES YÖNTEMİYLE BİR ANALİZ (NEOPHOBİC ATTITUDES OF GENERATION Z TOWARDS STREET FOOD: AN ANALYSIS THROUGH THE PHOTOVOICE METHOD)

The aim of this study is to examine in depth the neophobic approaches of Generation Z individuals toward street food.The study was structured using a qualitative research method, with photovoice-a participant-based technique-employed as the data collection tool.The sample of the study consisted of Generation Z individuals who are currently studying or have graduated from the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Akdeniz University and who exhibit neophobic tendencies toward street food.Purposeful sampling was used, and the data were collected in June 2025.Participants were asked to take photographs reflecting their perceptions and attitudes toward street food; these images then served as the basis for semi-structured interviews.The qualitative data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis.The findings indicate that although street food is generally perceived by Generation Z as economical and accessible, concerns about hygiene, negative past experiences, religious sensitivities, and expectations related to visual presentation often negatively influence consumption decisions.In conclusion, it was observed that Generation Z's attitudes toward street food are shaped not only by individual preferences and tastes but also by cultural norms, societal perceptions, and emotional histories.The photovoice method provided a holistic perspective by allowing participants to express these multilayered experiences both visually and verbally.