WeChat as a digital bridge for the Chinese community in Italy? The use of social media during the first wave of COVID-19

Abstract

This chapter provides a historical overview of the development of the Chinese-language media system in Italy with a dedicated analysis of the use of WeChat during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study aims to answer two research questions, namely: 1. How was WeChat used by Chinese residents in Italy to access and share information during its first lockdown in March–May 2020? 2. To what extent does WeChat allow Italian institutions to reach Chinese residents in Italy, and for Chinese residents to communicate with Italian institutions?Our findings highlight that overseas Chinese used WeChat as a key platform to maintain relationships in mainland Chinaand strengthen their networks in Italy; WeChat also acted as a tool for social vigilantism and solidarity purposes during the pandemic. Moreover, some Italian local institutions leveraged ethnic social media by developing communication on WeChat to reach Chinese citizens more effectively.