Computer-mediated social support : Internet use and international migrants.

This study examines the nature of Computer-Mediated Social Support (CMSS) with regards to international migration and its impact on the migrants’ adaptation to the host country. Grounded upon the theories and findings in related areas, a conceptual framework is proposed that pulls together the main variables under investigation and asserts that the CMSS helps improve migrants’ lives during the transition period. To empirically test the model, two questionnaire surveys, namely, telephone survey and web survey, were conducted among Chinese migrants and Chinese students in Singapore, respectively. An online observation and in-depth interviews were also done to enrich the study by providing qualitative information not directly observed in the surveys. The findings indicate that international migrants actively participate in CMSS, and their CMSS seeking behavior can be predicted by the length of residence and the satisfaction on CMSS they have received. The analyses also show that CMSS is positively relevant to the migrants’ adaptation.Doctor of Philosophy (SCI