The Role of Social Media Behaviors and Structural Intergroup Relations on Immigrant Stereotypes

Authors

  • Vivian Hsueh Hua Chen Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Saifuddin Ahmed Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Arul Chib Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Keywords:

stereotype content model, immigration, intergroup relations, Facebook, social media, Whiteness

Abstract

This article studies the stereotypes of co-ethnic versus other-ethnic foreign immigrant groups based on the stereotype content model. An online survey (N = 424) was conducted to examine Singaporean citizens’ perceptions of two prominent migrant groups (co-ethnic Chinese nationals and other-ethnic Caucasians) and the influence of social media on stereotype formation. Results showed that status is associated with competence for both groups, while competition was related to warmth only for Chinese nationals. The cross-constructs of status warmth were found for co-ethnic immigrants only, and a competition–competence correlation was found for other-ethnic. Chinese nationals were perceived as moderate regarding competence and warmth, indicating that being co-ethnic immigrants may not result in in-group inclusivity. Caucasians were viewed as an in-group with high competence and warmth. Social media consumption and heterogeneous discussion were significantly associated with stereotypes for co-ethnic immigrants. For other-ethnic immigrants, social media consumption was associated with competence. Implications for theory and policy are discussed.

Author Biographies

Vivian Hsueh Hua Chen, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Vivian Hsueh Hua Chen is an associate professor in Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Communication from Arizona State University, US.A. Dr. Chen’s research areas include social and psychological impact of new media and technology, social interaction in virtual communities, intercultural communication, intergroup relations, and gamification for social wellbeing.

Saifuddin Ahmed, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Saifuddin Ahmed is an assistant professor in the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research interests lie in political communication, election studies, comparative studies, and public opinion. He is particularly interested in the transformative role of new media in civic and political engagement in technologically emerging societies. 

Arul Chib, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Dr. Arul Chib is Associate Professor at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information and former Director of the Singapore Internet Research Center at Nanyang Technological University. Dr. Chib received a Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Southern California. Dr. Chib investigates the impact of mobile phones in healthcare (mHealth) and in transnational migration issues, and is particularly interested in intersects of marginalization.

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Published

2021-09-10

Issue

Vol. 15 (2021)

Section

Articles

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