From Great Firewall to Global Connections: Dual Digital Platforms, Identity, and Integration Among Chinese Immigrants in Canada
Sub-Theme: Dominant and Alternative Narratives on Immigration in Canada
Projects in this sub-theme examine how social media and ADTs influence politics, including immigration politics and public attitudes, focusing on Canada, its migrant and diaspora communities, as well as other countries and transnational public spheres, narratives and discourses.
Objective
Chinese Canadians, comprising 5% of Canada’s population, are a diverse and influential group, with many recent first-generation immigrants. Before migrating, most relied on Chinese platforms like WeChat and Weibo due to China’s Great Firewall, which blocks global social media platforms. Upon arrival in Canada, they gain access to new media ecosystems that often contrast with Chinese narratives, creating a unique dynamic as they navigate competing information landscapes. This dual exposure influences their identity, societal integration, and perceptions amidst growing Canada-China geopolitical tensions, highlighting the critical role of digital tools in shaping integration and social cohesion.
This study will investigate the impact of digital communication tools, particularly the continued use of Chinese origin platforms like WeChat and the adoption of mainstream Canadian platforms, on the integration of Chinese immigrants into Canadian society.
Research question(s)
- How does the use of Chinese-origin platforms like WeChat influence Chinese Canadians’ perceptions of their identity, societal belonging, and domestic and global politics, including Canada-China relations?
- How do Chinese immigrants react to exposure to Canadian digital platforms?
- To what extent do the findings from Chinese Canadians apply to similar immigrant groups in other countries which shares comparable demographic and geopolitical contexts?
Methodology
Statistical Analysis, Surveys
Status
The project is ongoing. This project is currently in the Data Collection phase.
Expected completion date: December 2026
Status
Upcoming events and presentations:
- “Digital Platforms, Identity, and Integration among Chinese Canadians”, to be presented by Xiaojun Li at the Annual Convention of the American Political Science Association, Vancouver, Canada, September 11-14, 2025.
- “Between Worlds: Digital Media, Identity, and Belonging Among Chinese Canadians”, to be presented by Xiaojun Li at the “International Workshop on Chinese Diaspora and World Politics”, Xiamen University, China, November 1-3, 2025.
Keywords
Chinese immigrants; digital platforms; social integration; identity; Canada-China relations
