Abstract
Existing research demonstrates that online support from home country networks can reduce the emotional challenges felt by Chinese international students (Ye, 2006) and that social media may be used to improve their adaption to their new host country (Forbush & Foucault - Welles, 2016). As illustrated, aside from its focus on a narrow demographic within the Chinese diaspora, namely Chinese international students, existing research on Chinese internet use outside of China’s socio-political and cultural context lacks a comprehensive exploration of the Chinese diaspora’s engagement with, and sentiments toward, the Chinese internet, including social media apps, websites, platforms, and entertainment. This study addresses these gaps in the research by conducting a holistic review of how the broader Chinese diaspora in the U.S., interacts with and perceives the Chinese internet. Drawing on qualitative data collected through interview-style free-response questions, this research analyzes the responses of four Chinese people of diverse backgrounds and standings, specifically, the four respondents will be of different ages, citizenship, occupations, and time spent residing in the U.S., among other differences. The responses are utilized as case studies to illustrate the complex dynamics of Chinese internet engagement within the diaspora. It is hypothesized that the findings will not only underscore the continued relevance of the Chinese internet for diverse groups and individuals within the Chinese diaspora but also the different relationships and forms it may take.
Details
Presentation Type
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KEYWORDS
Keywords: Chinese Internet, Chinese diaspora, Digital engagement and relationship
