Digital Trans-Literacies on Social Media: The Shaping Effect on Youth Self-Concept Clarity and Well-Being

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Digital Trans-Literacies on Social Media: The Shaping Effect on Youth Self-Concept Clarity and Well-Being
Language: English
Authors: Michelle Mingyue Gu (ORCID 0000-0002-6547-2178), Shuting Zhang (ORCID 0000-0001-6514-6420), John Chi-Kin Lee (ORCID 0000-0002-3235-0967), Ming Ming Chiu (ORCID 0000-0002-5721-1971), Li Wei (ORCID 0000-0002-2015-7262)
Source: Multilingua: Journal of Cross-Cultural and Interlanguage Communication. 2025 44(5):687-713.
Availability: De Gruyter Mouton. Available from: Walter de Gruyter, Inc. 121 High Street, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Tel: 857-284-7073; Fax: 857-284-7358; e-mail: service@degruyter.com; Web site: http://www.degruyter.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 27
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Code Switching (Language), Multilingualism, Cultural Pluralism, Social Media, Self Concept, Well Being, Computer Mediated Communication, Language Usage, College Students, Foreign Countries, Technological Literacy, Life Satisfaction, Affective Behavior
Geographic Terms: Hong Kong
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Satisfaction With Life Scale
DOI: 10.1515/multi-2024-0175
ISSN: 0167-8507
1613-3684
Abstract: Previous studies have not investigated the mechanisms through which multilingual and multicultural practices on social media influence individuals' self-concept clarity (SCC) and well-being. This mixed-method study examines the impact of youths' translanguaging practices (flexible use of multiple languages and diverse semiotic resources) on social media on their online identity expression/exploration, SCC, and subjective well-being, which includes life satisfaction and positive affect. The survey findings suggest that translanguaging significantly enhances online identity expression/exploration and subjective well-being and negatively impacts SCC. It is also found that translanguaging's effects on SCC and subjective well-being are mediated by online identity expression and exploration. Interestingly, while online identity expression and exploration enhances subjective well-being, it reduces SCC, creating a complex interplay of effects. Furthermore, this study conceptualizes the notion of digital trans-literacies, encompassing digital translanguaging with digital literacies as both competences and social practices. This study contributes to understanding the dual role of digital translanguaging practices, highlighting their potential to promote online identity exploration and subjective well-being, while also posing challenges to SCC. The implications for enhancing youths' social media engagement are discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1490994
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Previous studies have not investigated the mechanisms through which multilingual and multicultural practices on social media influence individuals' self-concept clarity (SCC) and well-being. This mixed-method study examines the impact of youths' translanguaging practices (flexible use of multiple languages and diverse semiotic resources) on social media on their online identity expression/exploration, SCC, and subjective well-being, which includes life satisfaction and positive affect. The survey findings suggest that translanguaging significantly enhances online identity expression/exploration and subjective well-being and negatively impacts SCC. It is also found that translanguaging's effects on SCC and subjective well-being are mediated by online identity expression and exploration. Interestingly, while online identity expression and exploration enhances subjective well-being, it reduces SCC, creating a complex interplay of effects. Furthermore, this study conceptualizes the notion of digital trans-literacies, encompassing digital translanguaging with digital literacies as both competences and social practices. This study contributes to understanding the dual role of digital translanguaging practices, highlighting their potential to promote online identity exploration and subjective well-being, while also posing challenges to SCC. The implications for enhancing youths' social media engagement are discussed.
ISSN:0167-8507
1613-3684
DOI:10.1515/multi-2024-0175