The role of social network sites (SNS) affordances in international students’ identity gap management during cross-cultural adjustment

This study explores how international students use social network sites (SNS) to manage identity gaps during cultural adjustment. Our work is framed by the communication theory of identity and SNS affordances approaches. We conducted ten focus group interviews, each lasting 60–90 minutes, with 3–10 undergraduate and graduate international students from a Southwestern University in the U.S. (N = 41). Using a priori and open coding, we revealed that personal-relational, personal-enacted, and personal-communal identity gaps were most common among international students. SNS affordances (visibility, association, editability, and persistence) mitigate but also exacerbate these gaps. Visibility enabled students to present their authentic identity, dispel misconceptions, and establish common ground with Americans, thus reducing personal-relational and personal-communal identity gaps. Association fostered connections with American counterparts, reducing personal-communal identity gaps. Editability allowed non-native English speakers to express themselves accurately, addressing personal-enacted identity gaps. Persistence allowed a consistent and genuine presentation of identity, decreasing personal-enacted and personal-relational identity gaps. However, visibility and association also amplified identity gaps. This study highlights the dual role of SNS affordances in identity management, offering valuable insights into international students’ cultural adjustment strategies.