Exploring and Adapting Identities: Chinese Students in the Netherlands on TikTok

Abstract

This thesis explores how Chinese students living in the Netherlands navigate and adapt their identities on TikTok, drawing on the theoretical framework of tactics of intersubjectivity proposed by Bucholtz and Hall (2004, 2005). As digital connectivity and cultural fluidity shape contemporary experiences, platforms like TikTok provide a virtual space for these students to engage with their heritage while integrating into a multicultural society. The study investigates the transition from Douyin to TikTok, highlighting the role of social media in identity negotiation amidst globalized media and localized experiences. Through qualitative group interviews, the research captures the multifaceted perspectives of four Chinese students studying in the Netherlands with different content preferences and usage habits, uncovering themes of content adaptation, subcultural connection, and TikTok as an assimilation tool. The findings contribute to the field of intercultural communication by illustrating the complex interplay between digital platforms, cultural identity, and social interaction, offering insights into contemporary identity formation and cultural belonging in the digital age.