The Use of Digital Media among China students in Belarusian State University during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the views of Chinese students studying in Belarus during the covid-19 pandemic and to reveal the extent to which they use online media. Through in-depth interviews, this study interviewed 10 Chinese students with different majors, genders, rental conditions and residence years in Belarus, hoping to objectively reflect the situation of Chinese students as much as possible. The interview results showed that during the epidemic period, online social media was the main contact information of these students, but Chinese media were more popular. Foreign media are the source of supplementary information for Chinese students during the epidemic. The diversity of media channels and the problems of Chinese social circles in Belarus also make Belarusian students experience information overload and information anxiety. In terms of media trust, Chinese students trust domestic mainstream media more than foreign media and social platform information.

Keywords:  Chinese student; media use; Belarus; pandemic