A Systemetic Review of TikTok, WeChat, and LINE: The Impact of Social Media on Sino-Thai Cross-Cultural Engagement

Meng Yuan; Narong Anurak

doi:10.56868/jadhur.v4i1.303

Authors

Meng Yuan Department of Communication Arts, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand
Narong Anurak Department of Communication Arts, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56868/jadhur.v4i1.303

Keywords:

TikTok, WeChat, LINE, Sino-Thai , Cross-Cultural Engagement, Social Media

Abstract

Digital platforms play a crucial role in facilitating cross-cultural interactions in Asia. However, their dual function as both connective technologies and political instruments is not well understood in specific regional contexts. This study examines the complex dynamics of cultural exchange facilitated by these platforms. It focuses on how TikTok, WeChat, and LINE uniquely influence Sino-Thai cultural engagement, analyzing their roles as mediums for cultural transmission and their implications for digital sovereignty and transnational connectivity. A systematic review guided by the PRISMA framework was conducted to analyze interdisciplinary literature published between 2015 and 2024. This review specifically examined the roles of platforms such as TikTok, WeChat, and LINE in promoting hybrid practices, acting as instruments of Chinese soft power, maintaining diasporic kinship networks, and serving as algorithmic filters. The findings reveal an asymmetric digital ecosystem. Chinese cultural dominance is evident through WeChat’s regulated infrastructure and TikTok’s engagement-driven recommendation systems. In contrast, LINE’s localized integration in Thailand exemplifies a form of vernacular resistance through creative adaptations of user-generated content. These dynamics underscore the intricate relationships between algorithmic design, user agency, and geopolitical competition. The study presents an innovative framework for understanding platform-mediated transnationalism. We recommend that policymakers develop robust digital literacy programs to empower users in navigating platform biases and advocate for greater transparency in content governance within cross-border digital spaces.

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