Phantom Intimacy: Using Netnography Research Method to Reveal the Underlying Chinese Lesbians’ Online Relationship Development

Liping Piper Liu, Lei Vincent Huang, Melannie Yiqian Zhan

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

In this study we probe into Chinese lesbian women's overall social relationship development within online social community. Netnography research method is particularly used within two lesbian Wechat groups in this study. The results revealed several gratifications that Chinese lesbian women sought in Wechat group in terms of self-disclosure, escape and something to do when bored. Relationship velocity is a significant indicator for their relationship quality and strength. Moreover, phantom intimacy was found due to the dilemma for these lesbian women to meet from online to offline.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 28 May 2017
Event67th Annual International Communication Association Conference, ICA 2017: Interventions. Communication Research and Practice - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 25 May 201729 May 2017
https://convention2.allacademic.com/one/ica/ica17/

Conference

Conference67th Annual International Communication Association Conference, ICA 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period25/05/1729/05/17
Internet address

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