Social Media and the Acculturation Process

In "Promoting or Prohibiting: Understanding the Influence of Social Media on International Students' Acculturation Process, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Consequences," Pang's (2020) study revealed the duality of social media in international students' acculturation. While these platforms provide emotional support and a sense of community-related to students' home cultures, they can also create cultural silos that prevent students from fully integrating into the local culture. This paradox emphasizes the complex role of social media in the acculturation process, influencing mental health and adaptation strategies in foreign cultural environments.

However, understanding the role of social media in acculturation could be further nuanced. Strategic use of social media can significantly enhance cultural competence. Students can better understand their host country's culture by engaging in diverse cultural content and international peer networks. This approach reduces the risk of cultural insularity by encouraging active exploration and participation in the host culture beyond the comfort level of familiar online communities. In addition, research on digital ethnography emphasizes the potential of social media as a tool for ethnographic research.

Through platforms such as Instagram and WeChat, students can observe and participate in cultural practices in real-time, providing a unique perspective on local culture. Such digital immersion can complement traditional cultural learning methods by providing a more holistic understanding of the host culture.