Social Media Usage Affects Family Communication Among Chinese Adolescence

Ng Jia Ling; Tilagavati Subramaniam; Noor Eleena Nordin

doi:10.36923/ijsser.v5i3.213

Open Access Article Gender Studies Communication Studies

Ng Jia Ling ⁽¹⁾, Tilagavati Subramaniam ⁽²⁾, Noor Eleena Nordin ⁽³⁾

(1) Faculty of Social Sciences, Quest International University, Ipoh Perak, Malaysia, Malaysia,

(2) Faculty of Social Sciences, Quest International University, Ipoh Perak, Malaysia, Malaysia,

(3) Faculty of Social Sciences, Quest International University, Ipoh Perak, Malaysia, Malaysia

https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v5i3.213

Issue
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2023)

Submitted
July 20, 2023

Published
September 30, 2023

Keywords:

Social Media, Family Communication, Media Use , Chinese Adolescents

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of social media usage on family communication among Chinese adolescents. The research specifically aimed to understand the frequency of social media use among this group and how it affects their interactions with family members. The study employed a qualitative research approach, gathering data through in-depth interviews with seven Chinese adolescents. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The findings indicate that Chinese adolescents spend more time interacting with friends and engaging with social networks online than communicating with their families. Many adolescents seek mentoring, advice, and emotional support from online friends rather than from family members. The study also found that the personalities of adolescents play a significant role in hindering effective family interaction and communication, with social media usage exacerbating these challenges. In conclusion, the study suggests that social media significantly impacts family communication among Chinese adolescents, often leading to reduced face-to-face interactions within families. The implications of this research highlight the need for further studies to explore the perspectives of both parents and adolescents on social media use and its effects on family dynamics. This study provides valuable insights into the changing patterns of family communication within the Chinese community and underscores the importance of addressing these shifts to maintain healthy family relationships.

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Authors

Ng Jia Ling

Faculty of Social Sciences, Quest International University, Ipoh Perak, Malaysia

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1137-891X

Tilagavati Subramaniam

Faculty of Social Sciences, Quest International University, Ipoh Perak, Malaysia

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0092-5407

thaya.tilaga@gmail.com (Primary Contact)

Noor Eleena Nordin

Faculty of Social Sciences, Quest International University, Ipoh Perak, Malaysia

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9826-1534

Ling, N. J., Subramaniam, T., & Nordin , N. E. (2023). Social Media Usage Affects Family Communication Among Chinese Adolescence. Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review, 5(2), 1–08. https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v5i3.213

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