Social Media and Mobile Technology How Does Wechat, a Leading Mobile-Only Social Network in Asia, Cultivate Wellbeing in China?

Final Paper – Social Media and Mobile Technology

How does WeChat, a leading mobile-only social network in Asia, cultivate wellbeing in China?

Professor: Jesse Epstein

May 12, 2015

Abstract

With support from recent research, social media sites such as Facebook has recently been blamed for its negative impact on users’ wellbeing. However, certain features and mechanisms of social media sites may actually increase the users’ wellbeing, as well as serving as platforms for positive interventions to reach large populations and improving their lives. This paper examines China’s leading social platforms – WeChat – and its potential effectiveness in cultivating wellbeing of Chinese users. This paper has 5 sections. Section 1 states a brief summary of the term “wellbeing” and “social ties. Section 2 reviews research findings regarding Facebook impact of social media on wellbeing. Section 3 presents WeChat’s facts and features and how does WeChat impact human interaction differently from Facebook in the mobile environment. Section 4 examines how WeChat improves users’ wellbeing. Section 5 identifies what’s the “next big thing” might be for social media and mobile technology.

What is wellbeing?

Achieving greater wellbeing is a significant goal in people’s lives. People seek to boost their wellbeing in many ways. For example, developing more prestigious careers, taking vacations, earning greater income, buying luxury goods, or hanging out with family and friends. Many researchers have defined “wellbeing”. Seligman (2012) indicated that wellbeing consists of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and purpose, and accomplishment; Keyes (2002) stated that wellbeing includes emotional, social, and psychological elements. Seeking better wellbeing also lead to the wide use of mobile technologies and the widespread acceptance of social media.

What is Social Ties?

Strong ties are relationships associated with frequent contact and deep feelings of...