Abstract
This article analyzes Facebook’s role in promoting cross-cultural understanding through the lens of the impact that Facebook has had on people’s interpersonal relationships. The report also summarizes the results of eight different scientific studies. These studies looked at things like how social media affects the online acculturation process, the link between digital culture and migration, what factors lead to academic success, and how to adapt to a new culture. We will also talk about how the study’s results affect our understanding of how people from different countries make and keep connections through social media. Specifically, we focus on how people from other countries interact on Facebook.
Introduction
Communication across different boundaries is becoming increasingly crucial in today’s globalized world. Because of the rise of social media sites like Facebook, people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds can now talk to each other better and have more meaningful conversations. This is a direct result of social media platforms. Because Facebook has become so popular so quickly, it is essential to know how people from different parts of the world make and keep relationships with each other there. This knowledge can be gained by studying how users in other parts of the world interact on Facebook. This article concentrates on how Facebook can assist people of different cultural backgrounds in communicating with one another, specifically in more personal settings. For example, if we learn more about how people from other countries share on various social media platforms. If that happens, we’ll know more about how these platforms help people worldwide understand each other and build networks.
Overview
In the past few years, much research has been done on how social media affects relationships, focusing on how Facebook helps people from different cultures talk to each other. Li et al. (2019) demonstrate how using social media while journeying can affect a person’s ability to assimilate into the local culture. According to the results of this study, tourists can “virtually acclimate” to a new culture by having online conversations with people from that culture on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Facebook and Twitter are two examples of such online communities and platforms. A new country can benefit from virtual acculturation by talking to locals on social media to learn about the area’s history, customs, and ways of life.
On the other hand, Guan (2021) investigates whether or not there is a connection between the amount of time spent on social media and a sense of accomplishment. The term “digital acculturation,” which means becoming part of a new culture through online activities, is the main focus of the research being done here. Even though social media has the potential to promote acculturation, it can also cause “digital flight,” a process in which people distance themselves from their roots and struggle to find their place in the world. According to Kumi-Yeboah et al. (2020), societal assistance plays a role in the acculturation process, also known as transitioning to a new culture. If their families, friends, and teachers help them, students from other countries can easily adjust to their new lives and do well in school. (Kumi-Yeboah et al., 2020).
Mitra (2019) also looked into how the use of social media affects the integration of people from other countries. Liminality, the intermediate period between completely assimilating into a new culture and fully participating in one’s native society, will be the central point of this research endeavor. Liminality is the period between fully integrating into a new culture and participating in one’s native community. Miltra (2019) says that immigrants can use social media to stay in touch with their family and friends back home and find help as they get used to their new environment. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are all examples of platforms used for social media.
According to Ozer et al. (2021), globalization’s impacts on the acculturation process vary depending on the individual and the stage at which the process is being examined. They further assert that these impacts shift over time. A survey of 206 international students currently enrolled in programs in the United States that were carried out online showed that using social media is positively associated with acculturation, coping techniques, and psychological well-being. The respondents were all currently enrolled in programs in the United States. (Pang, 2021). In addition, Pang found that international students were better able to adapt to their new environments if they used social media to form support networks with one another. Sepehr (2023) says that Iranian immigrants used online support networks to deal with problems that came with getting used to a new culture and to get advice from people who had been in the same situation before. In addition, Iranian immigrants who might have felt alone in a foreign society could find companionship and support in online conversation groups. These groups provided a virtual space for people to connect and share their experiences.
According to Yau et al. (2020), foreigners use social media to talk about their cultural origins and to find friends who come from similar communities. The writers also found that social media made it easier for people to find information about other cultures. This made it more likely that people would understand and accept other cultures. This was found to be the case due to the proliferation of information about different cultures.
Discussion
While researching and composing this paper on the subject of international communication and Facebook’s role in promoting collaboration, I acquired a lot of information about how to communicate and collaborate with people from other countries. This paper is focused on the topic of international communication and the role that Facebook plays in promoting collaboration. Facebook plays a vital role in fostering cooperation. Social media platforms, especially Facebook, are essential to building, keeping, and keeping up international relationships and dialogue. Because social media is so popular, it is a great place to meet new people and build relationships beyond national borders and social norms. This is because social media allows users to connect with people from all over the world. Expats can keep in touch with friends and family in their home countries while also building interactions with people in their new communities.
Second, the regularity with which people in different cultures use social media to communicate and establish relationships with others varies significantly from culture to culture. Studies have shown that some societies value face-to-face conversation and interaction more than others. On the other hand, other groups may rely more on digital tools for communication, such as social media and messaging. Studies have shown that some societies value face-to-face conversation and interaction more than others. Also, social norms and how people talk can affect how people understand and respond to each other on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Third, people in different communities may use different ways to control their online identities and social media profiles. People who live in certain cultures may present a picture of themselves on social media. In contrast, people living in other cultures may appear more approachable and authentic. The social norms in place may impact how people interact with those they already know and meet new people through social networking sites. When participating in international dialogue through social media, it is essential to keep informed of the potential perils and roadblocks that may arise. Disparities in language and culture can lead to misunderstandings and confrontations.
Furthermore, using social media can facilitate the spread of incorrect information and hate speech. People need to develop their cultural skills and digital literacy if they want to communicate with others on social media who come from diverse cultural backgrounds. This is because social media users come from all over the world.
With the help of Facebook and other social media websites, people from different countries can learn more about one another and become better acquainted. Studies have shown that social media can improve communication and understanding between people of different cultures by creating a sense of community among individuals residing in various locations worldwide. Using topic-specific Facebook sites and communities, for instance, it is possible to bring together people from different countries with similar interests or objectives to accomplish something. People who participate in these organizations can enhance their knowledge of other countries customs and meet others who share their interests. Both of these opportunities are available to them.
The widespread use of social media as a way for people worldwide to talk to each other could affect both private businesses and government agencies. Companies can now communicate with consumers and clients in different parts of the world thanks to the widespread use of social media. Politicians have taken advantage of the power of social media to give opposition organizations a fresh start in life and to spread their message worldwide. This has enabled the politicians to achieve both of these goals. When used in situations like these, social media raises concerns about spreading false information, manipulating public opinion, and widening existing social, political, and economic divides.
It is also essential to remember that a conversation on a social media platform offered in a foreign language can be challenging. Because of the limits of technology, the differences between civilizations, and the language barrier, it is harder for people to talk to each other and work together effectively. When people use social media to communicate with one another, they run the risk of experiencing what is known as the “echo chamber effect.” This happens when people are only shown content that validates the perspective they already hold. One’s cultural awareness, grammatical skills, and knowledge of technology are all areas that can be improved to help overcome these challenges.
The influence of social media on the discourse that takes place on a global scale is complex and far-reaching. Facebook and other social media platforms could help bring people together and get them to work together. Still, they also come with risks and challenges that must be conquered before their full potential can be realized. Individuals and organizations can understand the complexities of international discourse on these platforms and take steps to surmount the obstacles presented. In that case, they can use social media to build relationships, get people to work together, and improve understanding across borders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article talks about how Facebook and other forms of social media can help bring people together and improve communication between countries. This study aimed to discover more about how social media affects the acculturation, coping, and mental health of people from different cultures who use these platforms to keep in touch with old friends and make new ones. According to the results, there are many ways for people in different countries and regions to talk to each other and share information and ideas through various social media platforms. However, how people present themselves on social media and how they develop their personalities can all impact how successful these interactions are. These variables can also affect how individuals develop their characters. When people from different countries use social media platforms to talk to each other, they might run into problems like language barriers, misunderstandings between groups, the spread of false information, and hate speech. Other challenges include the possibility of receiving incorrect information. These results show how important it is for people to improve their cultural knowledge and digital skills to deal with these problems and join the cross-cultural conversation on social media. This requires the development of practical communication skills and the intentional search out and involvement with people whose cultural experiences are different. In addition to developing good communication skills, this also requires understanding cultural differences.
References
Li, C., Guo, S., Wang, C., & Zhang, J. (2019). Veni, vidi, vici: The impact of social media on virtual acculturation in tourism context. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 145, 513-522.
Guan, S. S. A. (2021). Digital Acculturation or Displacement?: Examining the Link Between Social Media and Well-Being. Frontiers in Human Dynamics, 3, 585906.
Kumi-Yeboah, A., Brobbey, G., & Smith, P. (2020). Exploring factors that facilitate acculturation strategies and academic success of West African immigrant youth in urban schools. Education and Urban Society, 52(1), 21-50.
Mitra, A., & Evansluong, Q. (2019). Narratives of integration: Liminality in migrant acculturation through social media. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 145, 474-480.
Ozer, S., Kunst, J. R., & Schwartz, S. J. (2021). Investigating direct and indirect globalization-based acculturation. International journal of intercultural relations, 84, 155-167.
Pang, H., & Wang, J. (2020). Promoting or prohibiting: Understanding the influence of social media on international students’ acculturation process, coping strategies, and psychological consequences. Telematics and Informatics, 54, 101454.
Sepehr, S., Carlson, J., Rosenberger III, P., & Pandit, A. (2023). Social media discussion forums, home country and immigrant consumer acculturation: the case of Iranian immigrants in Australia. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 40(1), 136-149.
Yau, A., Marder, B., & O’Donohoe, S. (2020). The role of social media in negotiating identity during the process of acculturation. Information Technology & People, 33(2), 554-575.
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