Annotated Bibliography – Role of Social Media in International Student Adjustments

Published by James Taylor

Gomes, C., Berry, M., Alzougool, B., & Chang, S. (2014). Home away from home: International students and their identity-based social networks in Australia. Journal of International Students, 4(1), 2-15. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260862586

In this article, the authors examine the part that identity plays in assisting international students in developing social networks in an institution in Australia. The authors give a thorough description of how the systems contribute to the sense of establishing a home away from home. From the results of the study, it was suggested that international students often develop different social networks across the university. These networks do not have to be comprised entirely of students from their own countries. According to the authors, students tend to form a combination of social networks founded on complex selves of every student with regard to common factors such as religion, hobbies, the area of study, culture, etc. The authors continue to reiterate that several students are members of social groups that entail international students from particular areas and beyond and local students. This article is useful because it offers a comprehensive description of how and why international students tend to form social networks. The material will be used to describe how locally based-social networks can supplement the existing home-based networks often virtually sustained through social media to develop an environment of home away from home.

Hofhuis, J., Hanke, K., & Rutten, T. (2019). Social network sites and acculturation of international sojourners in the Netherlands: The mediating role of psychological alienation and online social support. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 69, 120-130. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147176718301214

The authors of this article discuss the element of acculturation short-term international sojourners like international students and expats. The article defines acculturation as an interplay between cultural preservation and the wish of sojourners to uphold their cultural identity. It is noted from the article that sojourners often want to maintain their home cultural affiliation, get involved in activities in the host country, and the desire of initiating contact with the members of the host nation. Hofhuis, Hanke, & Rutten (2019) conclude that social network sites connection with relations in the host nation indicates participation and adjustment to life in such environments. With the online presence, the sojourners can foster their social interactions and to improve ties with the locals.

This article is significant because it explains the role played by social network sites in the acculturation of international students. The results of the study indicate that sojourners will tend to be in contact with family members and friends at home and at times experience more homesickness and loneliness. It would help me explain why international students tend to put more emphasis on their cultural heritage and how they can use social networking sites to adjust to the culture and life in the host country.

Luthfia, A., & Sofian, F. A. (2018). Role of Social Media in Improving Intercultural Communication Competence: A Comparative Study of European Students in Indonesia and Indonesian Students in Europe. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331197470

This article studies the way European students in Indonesia and the Indonesian students studying in Europe uses social media to enhance their intercultural communication skills. Luthfia and Sofian apply descriptive qualitative approaches with semi-structured interviews to gather data on the impact of social media in improving intercultural communication competence among international students. From the study, it was found that the intercultural communication competence of students develops as a result of direct communication or face-to-face interactions rather than the use of social media. In most cases, social media is used to improve the knowledge and understanding of students of the different cultural aspects of the home and the host country. With thorough research, the authors conclude that Facebook and Instagram tend to help international students improve their flexibility and adaptability to various cultures.

This journal article is significant because it would allow me to understand the interactivity and the abilities of social media in influencing student’s understanding of the host nation’s culture. It gives an opportunity to understand how social media influences the development of the relationship between international students and the culture of the host nation.

References

Hofhuis, J., Hanke, K., & Rutten, T. (2019). Social network sites and acculturation of international sojourners in the Netherlands: The mediating role of psychological alienation and online social support. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 69, 120-130. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147176718301214