Tales From the Edusphere: Content-Sharing Practices of Social-Media Edu-Influencers

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Constructing Discourses and Identities in the Digital Age (Table 2)

Abstract

This study examined the content sharing practices and motivations of 12 influential educators who teach Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) on the Xiaohongshu social-media platform. Through interviews, we identified three main types of content shared: teaching-support, career-related support, and personal content. The influencers shared content to bridge information gaps, enhance professional development, and connect with others. They were also influenced by social-media algorithms and sought community-building and personal fulfillment. The study found that their sharing primarily impacted their audience's attitudes, metacognition, resources, social connections, and goal commitment. These findings have practical implications for CFL teachers, edu-influencers, teacher educators, and policymakers in the field.

Authors

• Lanfang Sun, University of Hong Kong

• Keyi Zhou, University of Hong Kong

• Lanqing Li, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Chin-Hsi Lin, University of Hong Kong

• Wai Ming Cheung, University of Hong Kong