Table of Contents
Between pulpit and platform: Parasocial bonds in Filipino priests’ social media ministry
Roderick Evans Bartolome
Abstract: Framed by Horton and Wohl’s (1956) concept of parasocial interaction and Lou’s (2022) elaboration of trans-parasocial relations, this study examines how Catholic priests who create digital content relate to their social media followers. Three focus group discussions (N = 20) with active Facebook and TikTok users in the Diocese of Malolos were recorded, transcribed, and inductively analysed until thematic saturation was achieved. Participants turn to priests’ posts for scriptural insight and...
Abstract: Framed by Horton and Wohl’s (1956) concept of parasocial interaction and Lou’s (2022) elaboration of trans-parasocial relations, this study examines how Catholic priests who create digital content relate to their social media followers. Three focus group discussions (N = 20) with active Facebook and TikTok users in the Diocese of Malolos were recorded, transcribed, and inductively analysed until thematic saturation was achieved. Participants turn to priests’ posts for scriptural insight and...
Fear of missing out (FOMO) and impulsive buying on TikTok shop: A study using the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model
*Truong Hong-Ngoc
Abstract: This investigation explores the psychological mechanisms through which fear of missing out (FOMO) drives impulsive purchasing behaviour among young TikTok Shop users, drawing on mixed-method data from 336 participants. Quantitative surveys employing Cronbach’s Alpha-validated scales (α = 0.89) revealed two dominant FOMO dimensions: Desire for Belonging, characterised by prestige sensitivity, social connectedness, and peer praise (β = 0.42, p < 0.01), and Anxiety of Isolation, manifesting through fears of alienation, social neglect, and competitive disadvantage (β = 0.38, p < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated...
Abstract: This investigation explores the psychological mechanisms through which fear of missing out (FOMO) drives impulsive purchasing behaviour among young TikTok Shop users, drawing on mixed-method data from 336 participants. Quantitative surveys employing Cronbach’s Alpha-validated scales (α = 0.89) revealed two dominant FOMO dimensions: Desire for Belonging, characterised by prestige sensitivity, social connectedness, and peer praise (β = 0.42, p < 0.01), and Anxiety of Isolation, manifesting through fears of alienation, social neglect, and competitive disadvantage (β = 0.38, p < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated...
How digital natives in Türkiye use the metaverse: A qualitative research on problems and opportunities
*Mikail Batu, Fatma Erdoğan
Abstract: Metaverse is an interactive and multiplayer virtual universe created through the combination of virtual and augmented reality technologies, integrating the physical world with the virtual world. For digital natives, the metaverse is not only a realm of games and entertainment, but also a new platform where they can engage socially, enhance their creativity in education and work, as well as interact with multiple reflections closely resembling “real” life. In this platform, they can spend time, live with a twin identity aided by avatars, and encounter many reflections highly similar to real life. This study aims to examine how digital natives utilise the metaverse...
Abstract: Metaverse is an interactive and multiplayer virtual universe created through the combination of virtual and augmented reality technologies, integrating the physical world with the virtual world. For digital natives, the metaverse is not only a realm of games and entertainment, but also a new platform where they can engage socially, enhance their creativity in education and work, as well as interact with multiple reflections closely resembling “real” life. In this platform, they can spend time, live with a twin identity aided by avatars, and encounter many reflections highly similar to real life. This study aims to examine how digital natives utilise the metaverse...
Exploring social media fatigue through WeChat Use: A diary study among university students in Liaoning, China
*Jia Puxiu, Normaliza Abd.Rahim, Nur Haniz Mohd Nor
Abstract: As social media becomes increasingly integrated into everyday communication, the issue of social media fatigue faced by university students is a growing concern. This study empirically examines the primary types of fatigue associated with WeChat use among university students in Liaoning Province, China. It explains how these fatigues intersect and evolve in daily use situations. Through convenience sampling, the study invited 15 university students to participate in a two-week diary study. Thematic analysis reveal that social media fatigue is primarily manifested as information overload, task-oriented use fatigue, and privacy fatigue, and these types...
Abstract: As social media becomes increasingly integrated into everyday communication, the issue of social media fatigue faced by university students is a growing concern. This study empirically examines the primary types of fatigue associated with WeChat use among university students in Liaoning Province, China. It explains how these fatigues intersect and evolve in daily use situations. Through convenience sampling, the study invited 15 university students to participate in a two-week diary study. Thematic analysis reveal that social media fatigue is primarily manifested as information overload, task-oriented use fatigue, and privacy fatigue, and these types...
An examination of the encounter between Blackpink and the People’s Party in Thailand: A visual analysis of the interrelation between cultural heritage and popular culture
Anurak Chandam, *Lin Hui-Wen
Abstract: This study examines the visual framing of Blackpink’s concert at Supachalasai National Stadium in Thailand, a heritage site closely linked to the People’s Party. By combining iconographic and discourse analysis, this research explores how the concert’s visual representation sparked public controversy and discourse. Using Panofsky’s iconographic method, the study identifies symbolic contrasts between the stadium’s architectural heritage and the vibrant pop culture of the concert. These contrasts highlight differing cultural and historical values, emphasising how pop culture events can impact public perceptions of heritage sites. Discourse analysis of...
Abstract: This study examines the visual framing of Blackpink’s concert at Supachalasai National Stadium in Thailand, a heritage site closely linked to the People’s Party. By combining iconographic and discourse analysis, this research explores how the concert’s visual representation sparked public controversy and discourse. Using Panofsky’s iconographic method, the study identifies symbolic contrasts between the stadium’s architectural heritage and the vibrant pop culture of the concert. These contrasts highlight differing cultural and historical values, emphasising how pop culture events can impact public perceptions of heritage sites. Discourse analysis of...
The five stations of artistry in film narrative: A Sufistic interpretation
*Azrain Arifin
Abstract: This paper proposes a five-stage screenwriting framework inspired by the Sufi stations of knowledge (maqamat), offering an alternative to Western paradigms such as Aristotle’s three-act structure and Field’s screenplay model. Drawing on Islamic spirituality, the study conceptualises the stations of Sharia, Tariqa, Haqiqa, and Ma’rifa as narrative thresholds: Harmony, Beauty, Feel, Truth, and Love. Through comparative textual analysis, the paper examines how these spiritual states manifest cinematically via mise-en-scène, sound design, visual rhythm, and character development. This hybrid methodology not only contributes to the...
Abstract: This paper proposes a five-stage screenwriting framework inspired by the Sufi stations of knowledge (maqamat), offering an alternative to Western paradigms such as Aristotle’s three-act structure and Field’s screenplay model. Drawing on Islamic spirituality, the study conceptualises the stations of Sharia, Tariqa, Haqiqa, and Ma’rifa as narrative thresholds: Harmony, Beauty, Feel, Truth, and Love. Through comparative textual analysis, the paper examines how these spiritual states manifest cinematically via mise-en-scène, sound design, visual rhythm, and character development. This hybrid methodology not only contributes to the...
SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research (SEARCH) 2025 Volume 17 Issue 2 Preliminary
About The Journal
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication...
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication...
Special Issue: 8th International SEARCH Conference 2024 Abstract Proceedings
ABOUT THE JOURNAL
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication such as International Relations, Media...
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication such as International Relations, Media...
The effects of gratification on continuance usage intention among Weibo users: A study in China
Zhou HongFei, *Ng See Kee
Abstract: Given the use of social media platforms that continues to rise worldwide, gratification is considered a key component for social media platforms to engage users. In this regard, social media platforms in China have rapidly increased their number of users and activities, allowing researchers to explore their unique characteristics. However, Weibo, one of China’s most popular social media platforms with millions of active users, has not been thoroughly researched in terms of user satisfaction and intention to continue using the platform. Drawing on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Stimulus-Organism-Response, this study investigated...
Abstract: Given the use of social media platforms that continues to rise worldwide, gratification is considered a key component for social media platforms to engage users. In this regard, social media platforms in China have rapidly increased their number of users and activities, allowing researchers to explore their unique characteristics. However, Weibo, one of China’s most popular social media platforms with millions of active users, has not been thoroughly researched in terms of user satisfaction and intention to continue using the platform. Drawing on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Stimulus-Organism-Response, this study investigated...
Meta-synthesising 5G and OTT transformation in radio broadcasting
Intan Soliha Ibrahim, Azhar Abdul Latif, Lorita Angeline, Asmady Idris, Syahruddin Awang Ahmad, Assis Kamu and Mohd Jannatul Firdaus, *Juliana Abdul Wahab
Abstract: A conceptual paper is essential as it is a potent tool for developing theory. However, researchers grapple to plan and write non-empirical articles due to the absence of well-recognised models to direct their creation. Thus, this study reviews the literature through a meta-synthesis method on the 5G and OTT concepts in radio broadcasting. Access to broadcast infrastructure is vital for every radio service. However, the switchover from conventional to digital, as envisaged by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and International Telecommunication Union, presents both challenges and opportunities for such stations. The saturation of FM frequency...
Abstract: A conceptual paper is essential as it is a potent tool for developing theory. However, researchers grapple to plan and write non-empirical articles due to the absence of well-recognised models to direct their creation. Thus, this study reviews the literature through a meta-synthesis method on the 5G and OTT concepts in radio broadcasting. Access to broadcast infrastructure is vital for every radio service. However, the switchover from conventional to digital, as envisaged by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and International Telecommunication Union, presents both challenges and opportunities for such stations. The saturation of FM frequency...
