Title

Use of social media by the international students to manage stress in their initial days at the university

Author

Eshrat Rahman, Illinois State UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2023

Document Type

Poster

Degree Type

Graduate

Department

Communication

Mentor

John Baldwin

Mentor Department

Communication

Abstract

This study explores how international students use social media to manage their stress during the initial days in the university. The study employed in-depth interviews of seven participants to attain research data. The findings of the study show that the international students primarily use social media to connect with their family members and friends back in their countries, to make new friends in new cultural environment, and to find relaxation and entertainment. Thus, they efficiently manage their stress through their social media usage. However, the participants do not solely depend on social media for stress management as these media sometimes increase stress levels. This suggests that the international students need to socialize in real time which can help them managing stress and better cope with new academic and cultural environments.

Recommended Citation

Rahman, Eshrat, "Use of social media by the international students to manage stress in their initial days at the university" (2023). University Research Symposium. 435.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/rsp_urs/435