Bird of a feather flocks even together in the digital era: A qualitative study on the application and effects of communication technology of Chinese migrant students in Hong Kong

This research examines how the development of communication technologies influences the formation of social connection patterns among migrants and how these connections affect their social support and perceptions of integration within the local society. Through in-depth inter-views with 25 Chinese mainland migrant students who came to Hong Kong at different time points, this study reveals that advancements in communication technology have accelerated the pace at which these students form connections with both similar others in Hong Kong and people back in China. This shift in connection patterns has also altered their habits of seeking assistance to address challenges in their academic and personal lives. While technological development, particularly the rise of social media, has increased the sources of social support available to them, it has also unfortunately widened the social gap with local Hong Kong residents and diminished their perception of integration. This study extends social support theory by taking into account the influence of digital communication tools, and posits that communication technology may strengthen cultural and social identities by preserving close relationships with the home country. It also contradicts the ideal integration vision, which holds that people can integrate more quickly if they can connect easily online.