Understanding the Social Media News Consumption Among Filipinos as Transnational- Migrants in Thailand

• Main Author: Ulla, Mark
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: Filipino transnationals; news consumption; online news; Philippine news; social media news
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/apssr/vol21/iss1/6; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/apssr/article/1350/viewcontent/RA_205.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study identifies news consumption practices, preferences, and motivations on social media platforms among 25 Filipino transnationals in Thailand using the lens of the news consumption model and the concept of transnationalism. Through in-depth semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussion (FGD), findings revealed that besides routine surveillance of news consumption as commonly practiced by Filipino transnationals, other reasons why they consumed news on Facebook and YouTube are relational, personal, and social. Thus, this paper argues that Filipino transnationals in Thailand do not only consume news on social media platforms to be informed of the latest happenings, development, and political conditions in their home country, but also to reconnect with their families and friends, to relieve stress, and to feel a sense of home away from their homes. This present study offers new insight into the news consumption model, particularly in the context of transnationalism as studies of this kind are rarely conducted, especially in the Global South.