This study explores the opening sequences of Mandarin text messages on WeChat, focusing on the role of the phrase "zaima," meaning "are you there?" in English, in digital communication. While conversation openings have been widely studied in face-to-face and telephonic interactions, research on text message openings, especially…

This study explores uses of the quote-and-reply (Q&R) function in WeChat through conversation analysis. Analyzing 7 naturally occurring chat samples, the research identifies 3 primary interactional practices: sequence-jumping, which enables responses to non-adjacent turns across temporal gaps; response facilitation, where quotes are…

Background: Computer programming learning and education play a critical role in preparing a workforce equipped with the necessary skills for diverse fields. ChatGPT and YouTube are technologies that support self-directed programming learning. Objectives: This study aims to examine the sentiments and primary topics discussed in YouTube comments…

This study investigates the interactional functions of the "Slightly Smiling Face" (SSF) emoji in Chinese WeChat conversations through the lens of Conversation Analysis (CA). Drawing on 50 naturally occurring chat excerpts involving 12 participants across various relationship types, the study identifies three core uses of the SSF emoji:…

ChatGPT has surprised academia with its remarkable abilities but also raised substantial concerns regarding academic integrity and misconduct. Despite the debate, empirical research exploring the issue is limited. The purpose of this study is to bridge this gap by analyzing Twitter data to understand how academia is perceiving ChatGPT. A total of…

As meaning-making increasingly happens in digital spaces, it is essential for researchers to examine how students learn to critically read and navigate within and across constantly changing online platforms. This qualitative study examines university students' experiences reading and navigating online. To do so, the author examines self-created…

Early adolescent children communicate on smartphones and social media, resulting in online sexual risks and potential adverse health outcomes. This study investigated parents' awareness of early adolescent engagement in online sexual risks on smartphones and social media and the protective practices used to mitigate these risks. Semi-structured…

A core component of teaching media literacy involves students analyzing and reflecting on how they use media in their daily lives. In this hands-on activity, college students play social media privacy bingo. Each square represents a different type of private information that they might choose to share on social media. The instructor calls out…

WeChat is one of the most popular social media mobile apps in China. WeChat was introduced to the course of Introduction to Human Health and Disease, as an instant interactive platform to enhance students' learning. Over a period of two years, a WeChat official account (OA) was set up and 157 push notifications were sent per semester. The push…

A negative consequence of the proliferation of social media is the increase in online abuse. Bullying, once restricted to the playground, has found a new home on social media. Online social networks on their part have intensified efforts to tackle online abuse, but unfortunately, such is the scale of the problem that many young people are still…

This study investigates community sentiments and opinions regarding the use of ChatGPT in education within online user forums. Large Language Model (LLM)-based sentiment analysis was conducted on the posts and comments submitted to Teachers Subreddit, an online community for educators. The analysis revealed that the members of Teachers Subreddit…

This study explores how English language teachers use shared repertoire in virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) when integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into teaching. Using a qualitative analysis of discussions from three open Facebook groups, this study identifies how teachers actively collaborate online to share practical…

In the COVID-19 era, "Yellowdig" (an online discussion board with social media-like features) has increasingly risen to prominence in higher education. Reflecting on a multi-year experiment involving 14 international business and marketing courses, I argue that Yellowdig remains a valuable tool for learning even after returning to…

Social media apps are being increasingly used by primary school children and this has influenced how they connect and communicate with others. Child use of social media has raised societal concerns about its impact on early development. To gain a deeper understanding of children's experiences with social media, children in grade 5 (N = 28; girls:…

Higher education institutions have various and mostly well-established methods for students to consult with their lecturers. Lecturers have traditionally expected students to make use of face-to-face interaction through after-class consultations and asking questions in class. It is, however, imperative that higher education reflects on whether…