Live Ambience and Homestead Away From Home: Social Media Use and Dependency by Visiting Chinese Students in the United States

Authors

  • Zixue Tai College of Communication and Information University of Kentucky
  • Jue Lu School of Journalism and Communication Shanghai University
  • Fengbin Hu Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences

Keywords:

social media, media system dependency, QQ, SNS dependency, WeChat, cross-cultural adaption

Abstract

This study investigates social media dependency relations among Chinese college students during their three-month study abroad sojourn in the United States. Data were collected using a multimethod approach of ethnography, field observation, and in-depth interviews. Inspired by the lens of media system dependency (MSD) theory, the analysis focuses on the diverse goals and motivations that drive student behavior in social media engagement, as well as various contextual factors leading students to adapt and transition to the U.S. social networking sites (SNS), and the subsequent outcomes. The findings indicate that task-driven and assignment-centered goals dominate social media use, and that multidimensional aspects of interaction pervade student engagement with different social networking applications. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in light of the overall findings.

Author Biographies

Zixue Tai, College of Communication and Information University of Kentucky

PhD & Associate ProfessorCollege of Communication and Information University of KentuckyPhone: (859) 257-1676

Jue Lu, School of Journalism and Communication Shanghai University

PhD Candidate

Fengbin Hu, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences

PhD & Assistant Professor

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Published

2019-06-13

Issue

Vol. 13 (2019)

Section

Articles

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