Search

Given the dominant role that Facebook and WeChat play in their respective contexts, researchers have explored users’ behavior and uses of these two globally leading social networking sites (SNSs). However, there is scant research comparing the interface features of these two SNSs and their contextual interactions within and across cultures. Utilizing Sun's “culturally localized user experience” (CLUE) framework [27, 28], this study employs critical data analysis to investigate the defining interface features of Facebook and WeChat in four sections of moments/status, official accounts, digital currency, and group chat. Our study expands the understanding of cultural considerations in interface design and encourages factoring contextualized use of technology and the sociological approach to interface design. The findings reveal cultural and local differences are the driving force for the unique interface features of the two SNSs and highlight “glocalization” (mixing forces into local elements) in SNS design [27].

By using verbal data analysis technique, this study compares website-based corporate introductions between Chinese public companies and their American peers. When presenting themselves, both Chinese and American companies appeal to ethos by stressing their capabilities. American companies are more skillful than Chinese companies at appealing to pathos and logos by orienting and interacting with their audience through the use of subheadings, shorter sentences, and more visual and audio elements.