The Enabling Role of Social Media for Chinese Immigrants' Health: A Pilot Study

Previous research has shown that obtaining health information-including where to locate a doctor and seek appropriate treatment-is a major challenge for Chinese and other Asian immigrants to adapt to the US. Although social media could provide Chinese immigrants with health information and other benefits, the new technology’s value is still uncertain for potential users. This pilot study utilizes a qualitative research design to better understand the ambivalent attitudes of Chinese immigrants towards social media. We found that Chinese immigrants still perceived social media as having a number of shortcomings. Yet, if used properly, social media could be very useful for these immigrants to seek and share health information with their peers. Based on interview results, we identified several opportunities for developing social media tools, and directions for further research.