A Study on the Influence Mechanism of New Media Usage on Central Plains Cunture Identity among University Students in Higher Education Institutions of Henan Province, China
List of Authors
Joanna Tjin Ai Tan, Tian Yuxia, Yeok Meng Ngeow
Keyword
New Media, Central Plains Cunture Identity, Higher Education Institutions in Henan, Influence Mechanism, Symbol Construction, Mixed Research
Abstract
Under the national strategies of "Digital China" and "Cultural Power", this study investigates how new media usage influences the cultural identity of Zhongyuan culture among university students in Henan Province. Based on Media Ecology and Social Identity Theory, it employs a mixed-methods approach, primarily using questionnaire surveys supplemented by in-depth interviews. The study finds that new media acts as a "double-edged sword" through three mechanisms. First, the Symbol Construction Mechanism uses visualization, narrativization, and fashion-oriented transcoding to make Zhongyuan culture vivid and emotionally engaging. Second, the Interactive Reinforcement Mechanism, via algorithms, likes, comments, and online communities, builds a reinforcing information environment but risks narrowing identity perspectives. Third, the Empowerment and Alienation Mechanism offers technical empowerment that fosters creative participation but may lead to superficial identity due to information fragmentation and entertainment trends. This research concludes that cultural identity formation in the new media era is a complex, dynamic process. It suggests enhancing integrated media systems in universities, innovating content quality, building collaborative communication communities, and improving digital literacy education to harness new media's positive role in strengthening youth cultural confidence.