How can we Design Social Media to Better Respect the Boundaries of Third-Culture Users?

Kelley, Marissa

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

How can we Design Social Media to Better Respect the Boundaries of Third-Culture Users? Public Deposited

Analytics

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/hm50ts59v

Abstract

This honors thesis examines the ways in which the 21st-century design of our social media platforms can disrespect social boundaries for its third-culture users. Third-culture users (TCUs) are people who are raised in a culture other than their parents’ (Useem & Useem, 1967). Our platforms are currently designed to connect the world together, but not all users want to be connected. For some, such as TCUs, this connectedness can lead to context collapse resulting in high consequences. Through semi-structured interviews of nine TCUs, a design exploration with a research lab, and a follow-up focus group with participants from the interview, the social boundaries set up offline are investigated as they transfer online through social media. The interviews revealed four main themes including (1) connection and disconnection with cultural identity, (2) filtering, (3) social media mitigation, and (4) shared experiences online. The design exploration provided technological design solutions such as a new app, a recall window, and a way to block co-tagging. Lastly, the follow-up focus group offered insight into the technological design solutions and how well they worked for TCU’s ongoing experiences and boundaries. This paper concludes by offering insight into three different design solutions that would reduce the harm brought to third-culture users when their boundaries are disrespected. These solutions are (1) adding small group features, (2) allowing users more control of their notifications, and (3) mimicking the values of third-culture user’s offline communities.

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