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Visual communication in youth socialization: Using internet emotions in WeChat
Date Issued
2023
Citation
Wu, J., Dos Santos, L. M., Lo, H. F., & Kwee, C. T. T. (4.11.2023). Visual communication in youth socialization: Using internet emotions in WeChat. Re-discovering Youths Today: Identity, Subculture, Psychosocial Functioning, and Service Needs, Hong Kong Shue Yan University.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Background: In the digital age, the widespread popularity of social media and instant messaging applications has already led to a variety of forms of social interaction among youth. Among them, online emoticons, as a pictorial form of language used to express emotions, attitudes, and thoughts, provide a more vivid way of communication, transcend traditional language barriers, play an important role in emotional expression and cultural transmission, and have become an indispensable element in youth socialization. Therefore, this study aims to use WeChat as a social media to explore in-depth the reasons why youths are keen to use online emoticons and the potential impact of this type of pictorial expression on their social interactions.
Research Methods: This study invited youth participants to share their experiences and perceptions of the use of online emoticons in social media and chat applications through 1) visual analysis, 2) two semistructured interviews, and 3) two focus group activities, utilizing a general inductive approach. Research Questions: 1) Why do youth use online emoticons to express feelings, attitudes, and thoughts? 2) What is the impact of online emoticons on youth's social interactions, impression management, and identity construction? 3) What are the differences in the use of online emoticons among the youth of different cultural backgrounds, genders, and ages?
Contribution to Practice: The results of the study help to deeply understand the role and value of online emoticons in youth socialization. It also provides insights into the fields of social media design, education, mental health support, and cross-cultural studies to promote positive and enjoyable youth social interactions and provide a more comprehensive perspective on social communication in the digital age.
Research Methods: This study invited youth participants to share their experiences and perceptions of the use of online emoticons in social media and chat applications through 1) visual analysis, 2) two semistructured interviews, and 3) two focus group activities, utilizing a general inductive approach. Research Questions: 1) Why do youth use online emoticons to express feelings, attitudes, and thoughts? 2) What is the impact of online emoticons on youth's social interactions, impression management, and identity construction? 3) What are the differences in the use of online emoticons among the youth of different cultural backgrounds, genders, and ages?
Contribution to Practice: The results of the study help to deeply understand the role and value of online emoticons in youth socialization. It also provides insights into the fields of social media design, education, mental health support, and cross-cultural studies to promote positive and enjoyable youth social interactions and provide a more comprehensive perspective on social communication in the digital age.
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