Table of Contents
SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research (SEARCH) 2025 Volume 17 Issue 1 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...
SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research (SEARCH) 2025 Volume 17 Issue 1 Full Issue
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...
Beyond the buzz: The role of KOLs’ communication in affecting generation Z’s purchase intention
Lim Ying San, Jeslyn Lee Jinn Yee, *Ng Tuan Hock
Abstract: In line with the Malaysian government’s effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, digitalization continues to proliferate the business world. Further, many businesses are now using social media to engage with consumers. The popularity of social media in business has created a new phenomenon in the market called Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). KOLs are highly influential and can communicate as well as influence a large audience. However, not all KOLs have the same ability to communicate and to influence audiences. Hence, this research investigates the influence of KOL on consumer purchase intention in Malaysia’s e-commerce...
Abstract: In line with the Malaysian government’s effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, digitalization continues to proliferate the business world. Further, many businesses are now using social media to engage with consumers. The popularity of social media in business has created a new phenomenon in the market called Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). KOLs are highly influential and can communicate as well as influence a large audience. However, not all KOLs have the same ability to communicate and to influence audiences. Hence, this research investigates the influence of KOL on consumer purchase intention in Malaysia’s e-commerce...
Antecedents of purchase intention of Korean consumer products: A study of Malaysian K-drama binge-watchers
*Tengku Siti Aisha Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, Tak Jie Chan, Krishnamurti Murniadi
Abstract: As a result of the Hallyu phenomenon in the early 2000s, K-dramas have become very popular in Malaysia. Although the Korean culture may be divergent in a Muslim-majority country like Malaysia, K-drama audiences continue to show their enthusiasm for the culture by binge-watching episodes on streaming platforms. With streaming platforms, K-drama audiences can become more personally involved with their favourite K-dramas, by customising content and forming parasocial bonds with K-drama celebrities. Thus, this study aims to examine factors related to streaming audience involvement that influence consumer purchasing intentions among...
Abstract: As a result of the Hallyu phenomenon in the early 2000s, K-dramas have become very popular in Malaysia. Although the Korean culture may be divergent in a Muslim-majority country like Malaysia, K-drama audiences continue to show their enthusiasm for the culture by binge-watching episodes on streaming platforms. With streaming platforms, K-drama audiences can become more personally involved with their favourite K-dramas, by customising content and forming parasocial bonds with K-drama celebrities. Thus, this study aims to examine factors related to streaming audience involvement that influence consumer purchasing intentions among...
Effect of strategic visual communication, eWOM, and personal attractiveness on consumer purchase intentionsin Malaysia
*Kavitha Balakrishnan, Ajitha Angusamy, Tarandeep Singh, Mohamed Nur Fitri Razak, Jayanty Kuppusamy
Abstract: With the rise of social media, consumers are increasingly influenced by digital interactions and peer recommendations, shaping their purchasing decisions. The study examined the relationship between consumer purchase behaviour and electronic word-of-mouth, while also examining the strategic visual communication strategies used by social media influencers, with personal attractiveness acting as a mediator. People generally accept that communication involves frequent social interactions between a sender and a recipient. This study, using a quantitative approach and a total of 384 valid respondents, employed purposive sampling. The...
Abstract: With the rise of social media, consumers are increasingly influenced by digital interactions and peer recommendations, shaping their purchasing decisions. The study examined the relationship between consumer purchase behaviour and electronic word-of-mouth, while also examining the strategic visual communication strategies used by social media influencers, with personal attractiveness acting as a mediator. People generally accept that communication involves frequent social interactions between a sender and a recipient. This study, using a quantitative approach and a total of 384 valid respondents, employed purposive sampling. The...
Timing and initial crisis response strategy in Kanjuruhan’s crisis and its impacts on public trust
Maulina Pia Wulandari, Samantha Bella Puri Bahesa, Ivan Bima Wachid, *Mohamad-Noor Salehhudin Sharipudin, Siti Dahlia
Abstract: The study analyses the timing and characteristics of the Indonesian National Police (POLRI)’s initial crisis response after the Kanjuruhan Stadium incident in October 2022 and the effects of these measures on public trust. The study aims to assess the efficacy of POLRI’s communication in the initial seven days of the crisis and to determine how strategic shifts, namely from defensive to conciliatory tactics, influenced public opinions. The study employed a descriptive qualitative methodology, incorporating content analysis of official statements and news reports along with document analysis of survey data and public documents. Thematic...
Abstract: The study analyses the timing and characteristics of the Indonesian National Police (POLRI)’s initial crisis response after the Kanjuruhan Stadium incident in October 2022 and the effects of these measures on public trust. The study aims to assess the efficacy of POLRI’s communication in the initial seven days of the crisis and to determine how strategic shifts, namely from defensive to conciliatory tactics, influenced public opinions. The study employed a descriptive qualitative methodology, incorporating content analysis of official statements and news reports along with document analysis of survey data and public documents. Thematic...
Facebook brand page as a relationship management tool
Ahmed Fahim Morshed, Goi Chai Lee, *Adamu Abbas Adamua
Abstract: Public relations practitioners and social media professionals have shifted to building customer relationships through social media. A recent study mentioned that PR practitioners should adopt social media as a relationship management tool, yet academic research addressing this remains limited. Apart from the academic research gap, practical problems were identified, where recent research found that practitioners need to understand how to effectively and strategically communicate via social media. Additionally, the geographical research gap in public relations studies in Bangladesh is getting limited attention. To address these gaps, this study...
Abstract: Public relations practitioners and social media professionals have shifted to building customer relationships through social media. A recent study mentioned that PR practitioners should adopt social media as a relationship management tool, yet academic research addressing this remains limited. Apart from the academic research gap, practical problems were identified, where recent research found that practitioners need to understand how to effectively and strategically communicate via social media. Additionally, the geographical research gap in public relations studies in Bangladesh is getting limited attention. To address these gaps, this study...
To share, or not to share? The effects of parenting communication styles and sharenting on young adults’ mental health
*Nurul Hidayah Hanani, Wan Nurin Safiyya Wan Ahmad Faizal, Syafila Kamarudin
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of parents sharing their children’s personal information on social media, known as sharenting, has raised concerns about its potential impact on young adults’ privacy, autonomy, and mental health. Despite growing scholarly interest, research examining the consequences of sharenting on young adults’ mental health remains limited. Grounded in Baumrind’s Theory of Parenting Styles, this study investigates the relationship between parenting communication styles, sharenting practices, and the mental health of Malaysian young adults. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 205 respondents through purposive...
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of parents sharing their children’s personal information on social media, known as sharenting, has raised concerns about its potential impact on young adults’ privacy, autonomy, and mental health. Despite growing scholarly interest, research examining the consequences of sharenting on young adults’ mental health remains limited. Grounded in Baumrind’s Theory of Parenting Styles, this study investigates the relationship between parenting communication styles, sharenting practices, and the mental health of Malaysian young adults. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 205 respondents through purposive...
To empower or not: The 2023 Barbie movie’s impact on feminist perceptions among young women
*Nurafiq Inani Man, Nul Widaya Mohamed Nawi
Abstract: The 2023 Barbie movie has sparked widespread discussion on feminism and empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting modern ideals. This research examines how the female empowerment narrative and themes in the 2023 Barbie movie impact young Malaysian women’s perceptions of empowerment. Expanding on Ahmad’s (2020) analysis of positive Barbie portrayals, this study addresses the gap in research concerning the film’s impact on Malaysian audiences. It also investigates how cultural and societal factors affect the reception of the movie’s feminist messages. Using a qualitative approach, 15 young Malaysian women...
Abstract: The 2023 Barbie movie has sparked widespread discussion on feminism and empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting modern ideals. This research examines how the female empowerment narrative and themes in the 2023 Barbie movie impact young Malaysian women’s perceptions of empowerment. Expanding on Ahmad’s (2020) analysis of positive Barbie portrayals, this study addresses the gap in research concerning the film’s impact on Malaysian audiences. It also investigates how cultural and societal factors affect the reception of the movie’s feminist messages. Using a qualitative approach, 15 young Malaysian women...
Moderating role of privacy concerns on the determinants of mobile tourism adoption among Generation Z
*Nur Azlin Alimuddin, Levnesh Rao, Muzafidah Mohammad
Abstract: Mobile tourism is transforming how consumers interact with travel services, yet its adoption remains limited among Generation Z in Selangor. Trust in wireless networks plays a pivotal role in encouraging mobile tourism app usage; however, heightened privacy concerns may undermine this trust and reduce users’ willingness to adopt such technologies. Grounded in an integrated framework combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study examines the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, and wireless trust on mobile tourism adoption intentions. It...
Abstract: Mobile tourism is transforming how consumers interact with travel services, yet its adoption remains limited among Generation Z in Selangor. Trust in wireless networks plays a pivotal role in encouraging mobile tourism app usage; however, heightened privacy concerns may undermine this trust and reduce users’ willingness to adopt such technologies. Grounded in an integrated framework combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study examines the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, and wireless trust on mobile tourism adoption intentions. It...
