Mobile phone app uses, IT identity, and adaptation of non-local students in Hong Kong and the UK

This study explores the role of mobile phone applications (apps) in the social and cultural adaptation of non-local students in Hong Kong and the UK, focusing on the intricate relationship between app usage, information technology (IT) identity, and adaptation outcomes. With over one million Chinese students pursuing educational opportunities abroad, understanding their adaptation processes is essential for enhancing their experiences and fostering successful integration into host societies.

Adaptation is defined as the process by which individuals adjust to new cultures and environments, facilitating effective functioning within their host societies (Ward & Rana-Deuba, 1999). Research indicates that information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a pivotal role in helping international students develop knowledge of their new environments, maintain social networks, and engage in community activities, which are crucial for successful integration (Gu & Maley, 2008). For instance, Rui and Wang (2015) suggest that direct communication with host nationals reduces uncertainties for international students.

IT identity is defined as the extent to which individuals incorporate their use of technology into their self-concept (Carter & Grover, 2015). This study proposes a concept of local IT identity, which emerges from using apps popular in the host culture, which could facilitate psychological and sociocultural adaptation. The literature highlights that the use of local apps enhances students' understanding of local customs and practices, fostering a sense of belonging and community (Holmes & Janson, 2008). Conversely, reliance on home country apps can hinder adaptation, creating barriers to engagement with the host culture and fostering feelings of isolation (Hosseini et al., 2020). This duality suggests that while familiar technologies provide comfort, they can also restrict opportunities for deeper cultural integration. The literature calls for a nuanced understanding of the ICT ecology surrounding international students, emphasizing the need for further exploration of how various technologies impact adaptation outcomes (Carter & Grover, 2015).

Four hypotheses are proposed:
H1: The use of local apps is positively related to (a) psychological and (b) sociocultural adaptation of overseas students.
H2: The use of home country apps is negatively related to (a) psychological and (b) sociocultural adaptation of overseas students.
H3: Local IT identity mediates the positive relationship between the use of local apps and (a) psychological and (b) sociocultural adaptation of overseas students.
H4: Local IT identity mediates the negative relationship between the use of home country apps and (a) psychological and (b) sociocultural adaptation of overseas students.

An online survey was conducted among students from mainland China in Hong Kong (N = 146) and the UK (N = 202). Linear regression analyses using JASP (2024) were conducted to test hypotheses one and two. The frequency of using local apps and home country apps were entered as independent variables. Control variables included sex, age, and length of living in the host society. The results supported H1 and H2. The frequency of using local apps was positively related to both psychological (B = 0.392, p < .001) and sociocultural (B = 0.512, p < .001) adaptation. The frequency of using home country apps was negatively related to both psychological (B = -0.285, p < .001) and sociocultural (B = -0.295, p < .001) adaptation. The control variables did not show significant correlations to the two adaptation outcomes, except for the length of living in the host country in the UK sample, B = 0.0017, p < .05.

H3 and H4 proposed the mediating role of local IT identity. Mediation analyses were conducted using JASP (2024). The models were tested at a 95% confidence level for the confidence interval using bootstrapping with 1000 iterations and a bias-corrected method. All the control variables were also entered as background confounders. The results supported the hypotheses. The mediating effects of local IT identity were particularly pronounced among UK participants, underscoring the importance of geographic and cultural contexts in shaping the adaptation experience. This aligns with existing literature that emphasizes the role of technology in facilitating social connections and cultural understanding among international students (Gu & Maley, 2008; Ryan, Magro, & Sharp, 2011).

The study contributes to the growing body of literature on international student adaptation by introducing the concept of IT identity and its relevance to the migration experience, emphasizing that technology is not merely a tool for communication but a medium through which students construct their identities. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of local app usage in developing a sense of belonging and connection to the host society. By integrating with local ICT ecologies, students can enhance their psychological resilience and sociocultural competence, ultimately facilitating their overall adaptation (Holmes & Janson, 2008). However, reliance on home country apps can hinder this process, as it often leads students to maintain stronger ties to their previous social networks, thereby creating a "bubble" that isolates them from the broader community (Hosseini et al., 2020).

The practical implications of this study are significant for educational institutions and policymakers. Given the positive relationship between local app usage and adaptation outcomes, stakeholders should actively promote the use of locally popular applications. Orientation programs, workshops, and peer support initiatives can help international students become familiar with important local apps. Moreover, this study invites future research to delve deeper into the concept of ICT ecology, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of various technological tools and their collective impact on the adaptation process. Understanding how the interplay between local and home country apps shapes the overall adaptation experience can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which technology influences migration and integration (Carter & Grover, 2015).