[Last modified: October, 6 2024 07:31 PM]
Pilot research topic:
Self-expression on social media of Chinese female students studying in London——take the small red book platform as an example.
Research background：
There is a growing trend of Chinese students studying abroad in Western countries, especially in London. Their ideas are rooted in the influence of traditional East Asian culture and the baptism of Western ideas, so their self-expression is special. With the rise of social media as a key platform for self-expression and identity construction in the past two years, information in the digital space not only helps Chinese students reshape their culture and personal identity in a cross-cultural environment, but also provides a platform for them to show and express themselves. Xiao Hong Book is a social media platform similar to instagram in China, which is very popular among Chinese young people. Overseas life and cultural differences are the hot topics discussed in the discussion. In the discussion of Chinese female students, feminism and female self-expression have to some extent broken away from the traditional Asian discourse system and become the hot topics discussed.
Research objectives:
To investigate how female Chinese students in London use social media to express themselves. Whether their self-expression has undergone a shift, and how Chinese and Western cultural and social expectations have influenced the self-presentation of Chinese female students in London. Whether digital platform tools are used by them as tools for identity negotiation and cross-cultural adaptation.
Research method：
Content Analysis: Analyzes posts and comments by female users on social media such as Xiaohongshu, especially those about body, gender identity and social expectations.
Interviews: In-depth interviews with female users, who are studying in London, active on social media platforms to understand their views on self-presentation, gender representation, and public feedback.
Case studies: do some interview, Select a few representative social media accounts and analyze in depth how their content creation reflects or challenges feminism and gender roles.
Ethical Considerations:
Informed Consent: Due to the private nature of the content and opinions of social media accounts, the informed consent of the respondents was sought before the research began.
Anonymity and Confidentiality: Keep participants’ identities and social media profiles anonymous to protect privacy.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural values and differences when discussing issues like gender roles and self-expression.
Expected Outcomes
Insights into how Chinese female students navigate the intersection of cultural identity and gender expectations through social media.
Understanding of how studying abroad in London shapes their digital self-presentation and identity construction.