Temporary Migrants’ Reactions to Immigration-related Content on Social Media Platform: Taking Australian Chinese Temporary Migrants on Red (Xiaohongshu) as An Example

University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia

Wenniejing0707@gmail.com

Abstract

This study examines the impact of RED (Xiaohongshu), a Chinese social media platform, on the perceptions and experiences of Australian Chinese temporary migrants regarding immigration. Using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews and guiding by Actor-Network Theory (ANT), the research focuses on interactions within the RED network involving the platform, immigration-related content, and users. It explores how algorithms and user-generated content (UGC) on RED affect information consumption, decision-making, and community engagement among migrants. The findings highlight a nuanced interplay between agency-driven content and personal narratives, both shaping users’ understanding of immigration. The study emphasizes the dual role of algorithms in content filtering and the importance of accessing diverse information sources for a well-rounded comprehension of immigration issues. RED offers valuable insights and a space for experience-sharing, yet its impact is influenced by algorithmic constraints and the subjective nature of UGC. The research advocates critical information consumption and a holistic approach in engaging with social media on sensitive topics like immigration.