Social Networking Sites Research Articles

Are My Photos Worth a Thousand Ads? Gen Z Consumers’ Perspectives on Personalized Myselfie Advertising and Its Implication for AI Algorithms

Using in-depth interviews (n = 24) and a qualitative projective technique with personalized myselfie advertisements (n = 96), this study examined how Generation Z consumers perceive personalized myselfie advertising—a potential advertising strategy that involves collecting photos of social media users to create custom advertisements that include the target’s affinity or likeness. Inductive data analyses based on phenomenology revealed five themes regarding their experience with posting brand-related selfies and photos on social networking sites: (1) self and brand connection; (2) social recognition and validation; (3) authenticity; (4) deficiency of self-confidence; and (5) brand and influencer avoidance. Six key patterns were also found in the interpretation of personalized self-advertisements: (1) ego booster; (2) the more personalized, the more effective; (3) anxiety about social media impressions; (4) invasion of privacy; (5) decreased brand trust; (6) pre-approved with compensation. These results suggest that there is now room for the idea of personalized myselfie advertising, but that ad professionals should exercise caution. The practical implications encompass developing best practices for personalized myselfie advertising and potentially assisting in the development of artificial intelligence algorithms for personalized myselfie advertising.

Understanding SNS use reduction from the perspective of the cognitive-affective model

PurposeThis investigation delves into the elements influencing social networking sites (SNS) use reduction behavior through the lens of the cognitive-affective (CA) model to understand the driving forces behind the decline in SNS use.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the CA model, this research introduces a theoretical framework that integrates the emotions of regret and guilt along with the principles of cognitive dissonance theory. The proposed theoretical framework was subjected to empirical validation, utilizing 453 responses gathered from Instagram users.FindingsThe results suggest that the emotions of regret and guilt have a favorable impact on users’ intention to decrease their SNS usage, with cognitive dissonance exerting an indirect positive influence through these emotions. Additionally, further examination unveils that fear moderates the connection between users’ SNS addiction and the CA components.Research limitations/implicationsAdditional cognitive and affective responses may influence the intricate relation between SNS addiction and SNS use reduction intention.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the information system use lifecycle by examining shifts in user behavior, notably the transition from excessive use to the adoption of use reduction strategies. Furthermore, it sheds light on the intricate role of cognitive dissonance in elucidating the intention to reduce SNS use from the perspective of the CA model. Additionally, this study advances our current understanding of how the fear of negative consequences arising from excessive usage plays a role as a moderating factor in elucidating the underlying internal factors related to reducing SNS usage.

EHealth Communication Intervention to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Middle-School Girls: Development and Usability Study.

As the age of initiating sexual intercourse has gradually decreased among South Korean adolescents, earlier vaccination of adolescents for human papillomavirus (HPV) is necessary before their exposure to HPV. Health communication includes "cues to action" that lead to preventive health behaviors, and recently, social networking services, which operate with fewer time and space constraints, have been used in various studies as a form of eHealth communication. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and usability of an eHealth communication intervention for HPV vaccination in middle-school girls aimed at the girls and their mothers. The eHealth communication intervention for HPV vaccination was developed using a 6-step intervention mapping process: needs assessments, setting program outcomes, selection of a theory-based method and practical strategies, development of the intervention, implementation plan, and testing the validity of the intervention. A review of 10 studies identified effective health communication messages, delivery methods, and theories for HPV vaccination among adolescents. Barriers including low knowledge, perceived threat, and the inconvenience of taking 2 doses of the vaccine were identified through focus groups, suggesting a need for youth-friendly and easy-to-understand information for adolescents delivered via mobile phones. The expected outcomes and the performance objectives are specifically tailored to reflect the vaccination intention. Behavior change techniques were applied using trusted sources and a health belief model. Health messages delivered through a KakaoTalk chatbot improved awareness and self-efficacy. Quality control was ensured with the use of a log system. The experts' chatbot usability average score was 80.13 (SD 8.15) and the average score of girls was 84.06 (SD 7.61). Future studies need to verify the effectiveness of health communication strategies in promoting HPV vaccination and the effectiveness of scientific intervention using a chatbot as a delivery method for the intervention.

Cross-cultural study on social media usage and its correlation with mental health and family functioning

Social media has the potential to influence both mental health and family dynamics significantly. However, there is limited research on the relationship between social media usage, mental health, and family functioning. To address this gap, we developed a novel mobile app, Social Brain, and conducted a study with 563 social media users to evaluate their preferences for the app's interface and functionality. The user-preference app design was validated with a separate study involving 65 social media users.The Social Brain app provides personalized, visually engaging weekly reports on users’ mental health, family functioning, and social media usage patterns. Participants from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom were recruited to use the app for four weeks. A detailed survey conducted with 25 participants revealed significant correlations: mental health was notably associated with marital and employment status, while family functioning was linked to marital status, nationality, employment status, and religion.Our results indicated a significant decrease in mean mental health scores after using the Social Brain app compared to pre-app usage assessments (2.11 ± 0.49 vs. 25.28 ± 5.72, P < 0.001). This finding highlights the need to view technology as a complement rather than a replacement for traditional mental health approaches. Our study offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between social media usage, mental health, and family functioning, suggesting pathways for future interventions at this intersection.

Perspectives of people with HIV on implementing long acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine in clinics and community settings in the UK: results from the anti-sexist, anti-racist, anti-ageist ILANA study.

The equity-focused ILANA study evaluated feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness of delivering on-label two-monthly cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CAB+RPV) injections for HIV-1 therapy in clinics and community settings. The study, which mandated inclusive recruitment, was conducted May-December 2022 at six UK sites. Injections were delivered in clinic (months 1-6), and in clinic or community setting according to patient choice (months 6-12). Surveys were completed at baseline, M4 and M12 using validated measures for feasibility (FIM), acceptability (AIM), and appropriateness (IAM). Primary endpoint: proportion of participants agreeing that the injection and community setting were feasible (FIM>4) at M12. Fourteen participants completed interviews at baseline and M12. Community settings offered by sites included: home visits (n=3), HIV support organisations (n=2), community clinic (n=1). Of 114 participants,54% were female, 70% racially minoritised and 40% aged >50. 27/114 chose to receive injections in community settings. FIM/AIM/IAM scores at M12 were high for the injection (79.0-87.4%) and lower for the community setting (44.2-47.4%) overall. Subgroup analyses indicated differences in scores by gender and ethnicity. Among those who attended the community, FIM/AIM/IAM scores for the community setting at M12 were high (73.1-80.8%). Concerns about stigma, inconvenience, and losing access to trusted clinicians negatively influenced perceptions of receiving injections at community settings, amongst other factors. CAB+RPV injections were considered highly feasible, acceptable, and appropriate, however few chose community delivery. Those that chose community delivery found it highly acceptable and feasible. Further exploration of CAB+RPV delivery in alternative community sites not offered (e.g. primary care or pharmacies) is warranted.

Lenin, Putin, and Rage Guy: Internet memes in the discourse of a Russian far-right community

ABSTRACT The article addresses Internet memes’ usage in Russian far-right discourse, seeking to evaluate how it corresponds with the basic roles of memes in political communication and the extent to which the Russian far-right memetic vernacular is universally translatable. The article uses qualitative content analysis and multimodal discourse analysis of the “Right-Wing Memes” community on the Russian social networking site Vkontakte. The Russian far-right builds its social identity by filling the floating signifiers of the “left-wing,” “migrants,” and “Russian national state” with relevant meanings through the memetic means of visual humor, bitter irony, and parallel comparison. These construct the in- and out-groups, convey the ideological message, and give voice to the groups excluded from the mainstream. However, although the Russian far-right employs globalized memetic tropes, the content is mainly country-specific, which, together with the language barrier, hinders the formation of a universal far-right memetic discourse.

Self-presentational concerns and lurking among users on social networking sites: an empirical study based on a moderated mediation model

PurposeThe phenomenon of nonposting behavior, known as lurking, has become increasingly prevalent on social networking sites (SNS). This study aims to understand why certain users are inclined to lurk on SNS by proposing a theoretical framework that integrates self-presentational concerns, SNS fatigue and social presence.Design/methodology/approachBuilding upon the theoretical framework, a moderated mediation model is established to illustrate the mechanisms of lurking on SNS. Survey data were collected from 616 SNS users through an online survey and analyzed using the SPSS macro PROCESS.FindingsThe findings show that self-presentational concerns have positive and direct effects on lurking. Moreover, the relationship between self-presentational concerns and lurking is partially mediated by SNS fatigue. Furthermore, both the direct effect and the mediating effect are moderated by social presence.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel theoretical perspective on lurking behavior by introducing a moderated mediation model. The findings reveal intricate mechanisms underlying this specific SNS usage behavior and its connections to both self-presentational concerns and SNS fatigue, thereby enriching the existing literature on user engagement and inactivity on SNS. Furthermore, this research highlights the pivotal role of social presence in moderating the effects of self-presentational concerns, offering new insights into the dynamics of online social interactions.

Teaching Professional Use of Social Networking Sites Through a Hypothetical Case Study

Organizations use social networking sites (SNSs) to create collaborative communication channels among employees, consumers, and clients. Organizations expect future employees to be well trained in using SNSs. However, students do not accept SNSs as a professional channel of communication since they use SNSs for fun and socializing. A hypothetical case study was developed to explain the consequences of the unmindful use of SNSs in a professional context. The article discusses the need to use a case study in this context. The effectiveness of the case is assessed through a survey questionnaire. Recommendations for BPC faculty for using the case are also discussed.

Unveiling mechanism of SNSs addiction on wellbeing: the moderating role of loneliness and social anxiety

ABSTRACT Social networking sites (SNSs) play a crucial role in the lives of online users. This research aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SNS addiction and its subsequent impact on the wellbeing of online users. Employing the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, we examine the influence of perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence on SNSs addiction and its associated consequences. Additionally, we consider the boundary conditions of loneliness as the predictors of SNSs addiction and social anxiety in the association between SNSs addiction and strain. We collected data (Time 1 and II) from 558 SNSs users using an online survey. By employing structural equation modelling via Smart PLS 4.0, our findings indicate that perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence significantly contribute to SNSs addiction. Furthermore, SNS addiction is positively correlated with strain, which positively triggers users’ wellbeing. We also found a significant positive moderating effect of loneliness and social anxiety on the proposed relationships. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the theoretical foundations and multifaceted influences contributing to the literature on SNSs addiction and its impact on wellbeing through strain. It also acknowledges the study's limitations and suggests directions for future research.

How Do Men Who Post Publicly on Social Media Author Themselves and Their Experiences of Crohn's Disease? A Dialogical Analysis of Three Cases.

Despite distinct sex- and gender-related differences in the presentation and manifestation of Crohn's disease (CD), little research to date has considered men's particular experiences. Whilst hegemonic masculine ideals have been reported to negatively impact men's mental and physical health, increasingly research has emphasized that men engage in a diverse range of practices, including those beneficial to health. One such practice is posting about their illness experiences on social media. The interactive nature of posting online means that a dialogical approach, based on a relational epistemology, is particularly useful. This study therefore asked: "How do men who post publicly on social media author themselves and their experiences of CD?" Three participants were recruited, all of whom had a diagnosis of CD, wrote a blog, and posted on other social networking sites (SNSs) about CD. Two resided in Canada and one in the United Kingdom. All were white. For each participant, 2years of multimodal social media data was downloaded. After screening, in-depth analysis was conducted using a dialogical approach focusing on three key dialogical concepts: genre, chronotope, and forms of authorship. The key findings emphasized the participants' different responses to the lack of predictability caused by CD and the different ways they used social media to gain a greater sense of control over their illness stories and identities, providing important insights into the interaction between masculine identities and illness. Finally, the potential deployment of such methods in future research and within therapeutic contexts was considered.

Perceptions of Senior Citizens Regarding the Social Media Impact on Relationship between Parents and Teenagers: A Sociological Case Study in Dera Ghazi Khan

The utilization of social media can have both advantageous and detrimental effects on families, regardless of whether they are in their household or traveling. Elderly individuals in households often observe the impact of social media on their interactions with adults, experiencing a combination of concern and fascination. They express apprehension about the potential harm to family connections caused by the various risks linked with teenagers' use of social media, including cyberbullying, harassment, and fraud. The study aims to understand the sociological implications of social media on family dynamics with objective of, (i) to find out the socioeconomic characteristics of the study participants; (ii) to explore the main cause the social media platforms impact on the relationship between parents and teenagers; (iii) to explore the negative consequences of social media sites on the activities of teenagers; and (iv) how to overcome the negative effect of social media. For this study, a sample of 160 study participants (senior citizens) selected through multistage sampling technique. At first stage 1 Tehsil will be selected randomly, at second stage 4 union councils selected randomly from each tehsil, at third stage 2 villages selected from each union council randomly, at fourth stage 20 study participants selected from each village through convenient sampling technique. Majority more than eighty percent (80.7%) of the teenagers due to excessive usage of social media apps make them aggressive. Majority more than eighty-two percent (82.5%) of the teenagers face depression due social loneliness. Majority more than ninety-one percent (91.9%) of the senior citizens’ availability of internet making them addictive of social media app. Majority more than ninety-two percent (92.5%) of the teenagers after the use of social media app they feel headache, back pain and eyesight problems. Majority more than seventy-one percent (71.9%) of the senior citizens said that usage of social media apps teenagers faced mood swings. Strain relationship between parent’s teenagers was associated with teenager isolation. The time for parents was associated with the feeling of pleasant with social media apps. Habitual of social media app usage was associated with depression in teenagers.

Investigating social streaming app dependency: a mixed-methods analysis

PurposeThere is a dearth of knowledge regarding how user dependency offers valuable resources to develop the intellectual capital of social streaming apps (SSAs) companies. This study aims to integrate major conceptual components of the UandD model, identify contextualized goal-oriented SSA dependency and empirically evaluate their interrelated user-dependency relationships in the SSA context.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was utilized in this study. First, user gratifications were elicited through a qualitative approach, considering the exploratory stage of the SSA phenomenon. Second, statistical methods were applied to investigate and extract the sub-dimensions of SSA dependency. At last, a research model was developed grounded on the UandD model and empirically validated using the quantitative approach.FindingsThe results validated the gratification-dependency-attitude-behavior relationships hypothesized by the UandD framework in SSA. The role of user-SSA dependency in enhancing intellectual capital in the social media industry has been highlighted in this study.Research limitations/implicationsThis research not only provides an opportunity for the UandD model to realize its theoretical potential as envisioned by scholars but also contributes to the scholarship on social streaming apps and media dependency theory by conceptualizing goal-oriented dependency in SSAs.Practical implicationsThe research results will guide digital media practitioners to a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between their users and modern digital media apps and thus empower the practitioners to better manage their intellectual capital based on the facilitation of their users’ dependency.Originality/valueThis work is one of the pioneers in contextualizing the UandD model in the SSA field, refining and measuring the SSA dependency and its distinct subdimensions and employing mixed-methods to offer a comprehensive understanding of how user dependency boosts intellectual capital in the SSA industry.

Shifting perceptions of green and blue spaces during the COVID‐19 pandemic in gentrifying neighbourhoods: Experiences of inclusion and exclusion by women and non‐binary residents

Abstract The COVID‐19 outbreak triggered a combined health, social and economic crisis, imposing multiple restrictions that altered the use and perception of public green and blue spaces (PGBS). In this article, we explored how the different stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions affected the use and perceptions of public greenspaces and seafront in gentrifying neighbourhoods, focusing specifically on women and non‐binary residents. We conducted a comparative analysis of two densely populated neighbourhoods in Barcelona, Spain, employing a participatory mixed‐methods approach including surveys, focus groups, participatory walks and semi‐structured interviews. We collected the perceptions from women and non‐binary residents for the pre‐pandemic period, the lockdown period and the period during the post‐lockdown gradual ease of restrictions. Our findings reveal that during the COVID‐19 lockdown, the use of neighbourhood PGBS was maintained or intensified, highlighting the existing deficit in the denser areas of the city. However, post‐lockdown, use patterns changed, with differences based on neighbourhood characteristics and gentrification pressures. This suggests that while COVID‐19 seemed to temporarily impact how people used PGBS, these changes were rapidly reversed once mobility restrictions were lifted. During and after the pandemic, PGBS facilitated informal care networks and community cohesion that helped residents endure the impacts of the pandemic, but the return of gentrification and touristification pressures disrupted these networks, heightening feelings of displacement and exclusion among women and non‐binary residents. The research underscores the dual role of PGBS as both essential community spaces and sites of exclusion, emphasizing the need for inclusive and just green planning strategies. Policy implications. Urban planning must prioritize the quality and accessibility of PGBS with a gender‐sensitive approach and address broader issues of gentrification and touristification to protect vulnerable populations. An environmentally just greening approach should consider proximity, safety, accessibility and design to facilitate the use of PGBS by socially vulnerable groups. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES AS A UBIQUITOUS LEARNING SPACE IN THE FIJIAN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION CLASSROOMS

This paper sheds light on the roles of social networking sites (SNSs) in relation to English as a Second Language (ESL) in Fijian English language teaching and learning classrooms. Specifically, the paper delves into examining the potential applications of Facebook and YouTube on students and teachers at selected high schools in the western division, Fiji. A total of 30 students and 15 teachers were involved in this study, and the data was analysed through a qualitative approach. Further, the paper yonders upon the instructional and educational functions of social networking sites, including the drawbacks and challenges experienced by the teachers and students in the process of applying them. The findings revealed that the pedagogical consequences of integrating the latest features offered by SNSs towards bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary driven teaching and learning milieu enhances vocabulary acquisition. In brief, the study has allowed the researcher to analyse the differences in learning habits of ESL learners in typical Fijian classroom settings using innovations in social networking sites.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0713/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Vaccine Hesitancy and COVID-19 Risk Behaviors Associated with Social Media Use in Japan

ABSTRACT We examined the associations between the use of different types of media and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, as well as risk behaviors of COVID-19 infection, in Japan in late 2021. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted using rapid online surveys of residents in Iwate Prefecture from February 5 to 7, 2021, and from October 1 to 3, 2021. Each individual’s risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection was calculated using a quantitative assessment tool (the microCOVID). Intention to get vaccinated for COVID-19 was assessed by self-report. Usage of five types of media for obtaining COVID-related information was assessed: (1) newspapers, (2) television or radio, (3) internet or news apps, (4) social network services (SNS) (excluding LINE, a popular messaging app), and (5) other. Reliance on SNS did not show significant associations with either intention to get vaccinated or engaging in risky behavior for acquiring COVID-19. Although users of the internet or news apps were marginally significantly less likely to engage in high-risk behavior, significant associations between vaccine hesitancy and the usage of the internet or news apps were found in the middle age and elderly groups (OR [95% confidence interval (CI)] in middle age: 1.55 [1.07–2.23]; in elderly; 9.24 [3.28–26.02]). The differential associations between different types of media use and COVID-19 prevention behaviors may assist in preparing for future pandemic outbreaks. One implication for public health risk communication is audience segmentation, such as emphasizing vaccine safety and effectiveness for older audiences.

Digital diaspora

In this paper, we examined the relationship between social networking sites (SNSs) and the coping strategies international students adopt amidst cultural shocks in India, particularly in the vibrant locale of Chandigarh. The study scrutinizes pivotal factors that influence international students' SNS use and creates and validates an instrument that measures this relationship. Grounded in the uses and gratifications theory (UGT), this research introduces an instrument—the Social Capital Assessment Scale and Inventory (SCASI), which was developed via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The research concludes that SNSs play a pivotal role in the globalization of information, encompassing education, knowledge dissemination, interactivity, and cultural exchange in geographically diverse countries such as India.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Preconception Care Among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Preconception care (PCC) aims to address health risks before conception for better pregnancy outcomes. Effective PCC starts before pregnancy and involves interventions to improve well-being and prevent adverse outcomes. Unintended pregnancies and pre-existing illnesses increase risks. Early provision of care is crucial, as fetal development can be affected early. Improving women's knowledge and access to PCC is essential for optimal maternal and child health in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding preconception care among women between the ages of 18 and 45 who live in Saudi Arabia, who matched the inclusion criteria. All women working in or studying in the medical field were excluded from the research. Data was collected using Google Forms (Google, Mountain View, CA) via social media apps. Data was cleaned in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) and analyzed using IBM SPSS, version 29 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Our study assessed awareness about PCCamong 788 women. Age distribution revealed 24.9% (n=196) were 30-35 years old and 23.6% (n=186) were 40-45 years. Most were Saudi nationals (86.9%, n=685) and married (94.4%, n=744). University education was reported by 83.0% (n=654). Among notable findings, 79.1% disagreed or were neutral on PCC's necessity, and 78.6% supported free PCC. Barriers included fear of blood draws (68.7%) and negative family reactions (63.8%). Notably, 44.2% (n=348) demonstrated high knowledge and positive attitude towards PCC. Multivariate analysis indicated that marital status was significantly associated with high PCC knowledge (Exp(B)=1.956, p=0.049), while other sociodemographic factors were not associated with PCC knowledge. Our study showed an adequate level of knowledge about PCC among women. However, there is a need for further improvement in PCC awareness among Saudi women. A significant number of women supported free PCC services. Barriers included fear of procedures and family reactions. Marital status was significantly associated with higher PCC knowledge, emphasizing targeted educational interventions.

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA (TIKTOK) TOWARDS INTEREST IN ENGLISH LEARNING AT TEN GRADE OF SMA YADIKA 13 TAMBUN

The method that information technology uses today has a big influence on many aspects of things in life, including education. TikTok has become one of the most well-liked social networking sites, especially among younger people. TikTok is a social media application that is increasingly popular among internet users. This application allows users to create and share short videos lasting 15 to 60 seconds (Mavellyno, 2023). Apart from being for entertainment, TikTok can also be a tool for disseminating information and learning. In the context of English learning, TikTok offers interesting opportunities to be integrated as a learning medium. This research will compare the effectiveness of using TikTok in increasing interest in learning English. This research aims to determine whether there is a relationship between the use of social media (TikTok) and high school students' interest in learning and how strong the relationship between them is. This research was conducted at SMAS YADIKA 13 TAMBUN by filling out a questionnaire filled in by grade 10 students. The data collection results obtained a calculated value of 0.693 and at a significance level of 5% a value of 0.230 was obtained. The results indicate that students' enthusiasm for learning is significantly impacted by their use of TikToK social media. The study's findings indicate that using social media can increase students' motivation in learning English.

Why do people share social networking site passwords with their romantic partners? The antecedents and explanations for social networking site password sharing in romantic relationships

ABSTRACT Our study examined antecedents and explanations for sharing social networking site passwords with romantic partners. U.S. adults currently or recently in romantic relationships (N = 948) completed an online survey assessing relationship characteristics and reasons for password sharing. Results indicated that relationship satisfaction, relationship length, and social networking site jealousy predicted password sharing. Younger participants were also more inclined to share passwords with their romantic partners. Partner distrust/suspicion reasons were negatively related to relationship satisfaction; relationship strength/security reasons were positively related to social networking site jealousy. Our findings suggest that future digital privacy interventions should emphasize both the benefits and risks of social networking site password sharing, as well as the additional harm that could result if an individual uses passwords to access and monitor their romantic partner’s accounts.

Internationalisation at home: Creating an equitable virtual space for language learning

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of telecollaborative practices grounded in internationalisation at home (IaH) on foreign or additional language learning and intercultural understanding. Two higher education institutions (HEIs) from Taiwan and Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) collaboratively re-innovate a virtual learning space to facilitate equitable access to intercultural communication experiences for first-year university language learners. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through student e-portfolios, social networking sites, and reflections to evaluate the effectiveness of the telecollaborative learning design in achieving its goals. Findings demonstrated that the telecollaborative practices not only afforded students opportunities to practice with peers from native-language countries but also prompted them to strengthen their sense of belonging and identity as their intercultural knowledge broadened and deepened. Future research is suggested to explore the potential impact of IaH initiatives on a broader range of tertiary students.