SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES USE AND CROSS CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF MUSLIM INDONESIAN STUDENTS IN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES: VALUING CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Abstract: Muslim Asian
students have diverse specific needs when undertaking education in western
country universities. Many international students use social networking sites
as media for distance communication and helping in their adjustment.
This study attempts to investigate the impact of using new social
networking sites on the cross cultural adaptation process. Qualitative
methodology was used for the study. Individual in-depth interviews were
conducted for data collection. The study investigates social networking uses
and the adaptation experiences of 10 Muslim-Indonesian studying (or graduated)
in some Australian universities.
This research shows that most Muslim Indonesian students use them just to
take information about Islam and instead of using them to publicize Islamic
teaching (Da’wah). Social networking sites can help for establishing and
maintaining relationship their friends in Indonesia, making adjustment, and
sharing cultural experiences such as dealing with stereotype or looking for
halal food and place for praying. Social networking sites are mostly used to
share information and to discuss information about Islam and the way of Muslim
adjusting in non Muslim environment.
Penulis: Imam Nuraryo
Kode Jurnal: jpkomunikasidd140613
