Cultural Identity Preservation amid Globalization and Digitalization: Challenges, Transformations, and Digital Strategies

Abstract

Globalization and digitalization have accelerated cultural exchanges at the same time, and threatened the continuity of different cultural characteristics, which raises an urgent problem, that is, protection in an interconnected world. This paper reviews how digital technology can help manage the tension between global mobility and maintaining local identity, and draws lessons from Stuart Hall’s theory of cultural identity, such as “representation and recognition”, Arjun Appadurai’s global cultural economy and globalization framework. Digital tools-such as machine learning for recording heritage, virtual and augmented reality for immersive transmission, and natural language processing for revitalizing languages-allow the transition from passive protection to active, participatory and transnational protection. Specific examples of digital archiving of indigenous knowledge, VR cultural education and AI minority language platform show that communities can gain wider access and greater power. But the risks of cultural homogenization, digital possession, loss of data sovereignty and digital divide are big problems. They can destroy their true identities instead of keeping them. Looking ahead, we talk about ethical data governance, technical design of hybrid global platform and community leadership. The conclusion is that digitalization can help protect cultural identity by paying attention to fairness, authenticity and local people’s choices. In this way, we can turn danger into an opportunity for a strong and diverse culture in the future.