[Air-L] Methodology recommendations for platform analysis

[Yinan Sun]

Hi, Jacob,

     I and my advisor have developed a three-dimensional framework of
cultural affordances, which explores the interplay among social media
platforms, users, and culture and we also applied this framework to
qualitative studies.

    * 1. Sun, Y., & Suthers, D. (2024). WeChat Culture in Transition:
Navigating Platform, User, and Tradition.*

https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/d1ae8192-d6e6-4016-aac7-18b47d321f62/content

Abstract:
This qualitative study examines recent cultural changes on WeChat resulting
from the interplay between the platform, users, and Chinese culture.
Employing a three-dimensional theoretical framework of cultural
affordances, the research investigates the dynamics of cultural
transformations within the WeChat ecosystem. Data collection involves 31
semi-structured in-depth interviews, follow-up discussions, and
observations, analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Four main
cultural shifts are identified: a transition from a personal and intimate
culture to a more formal and professional one, an increased emphasis on
immediate satisfaction and rewards, the emergence of an
“everything-looks-fine” culture, and a reinforced high-context culture for
self-presentation. The study also discusses the influential roles played by
the platform, users, and cultural norms in shaping cultural change on
WeChat.


  *2) Sun, Y., & Suthers, D. (2024). Exploring Values Embedded Within
Social Media Platforms: A Case Study of WeChat.*

https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/5cc66108-d6d0-4f6f-ba75-68c37782e838/content

This qualitative study investigates embedded values within WeChat,
employing a three-dimensional theoretical framework of cultural
affordances. This study involved 31 semi-structured in-depth interviews,
follow-up discussions, and observations, with data analysis following the
grounded theory approach. The findings highlight the presence of embedded
values manifested in WeChat’s design features, including offline status
omission, mutual likes notification on Friends’ Circle, the absence of
deletion notification, information symmetry, and the absence of read
receipts. These design choices reflect the cultural affordances of WeChat
that shape user experiences on the platform. The study also discusses
users’ responses to these design features and explores their ethical
implications. Ultimately, it proposes potential directions for further
research in this domain. By uncovering the embedded values of WeChat, this
study provides insights into the interplay between technology, culture, and
user behavior, offering valuable implications for researchers and
practitioners in social media studies

Sincerely,
Yinan SUN
Ph.D. Candidate
Research Assistant
*Hawaii Digital Health Lab* <https://hawaiidigitalhealthlab.com/>
*Communication & Information Sciences (CIS) Interdisciplinary PhD Program
<https://www.hawaii.edu/cis/>*
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

On Fri, Jan 5, 2024 at 3:59 AM Jacob Johanssen via Air-L <
air-l at listserv.aoir.org> wrote:

> Dear colleagues,
>
> I am looking for recommendations for qualitative methods / approaches to
> the analysis of social media platforms which focus on both content and
> structures / features / affordances of the platform. rather than mixed
> methods, I am wondering if colleagues have developed something more
> integrative.
>
> Many thanks!
> Best wishes,
> Jacob
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