M.A. - Communication

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/2026

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Japanese college students in the United States: Their identity shift and acculturation styles
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2025) Watanabe, Takahiro; Kramer, Hanae HK; Communication
This study explores the complex processes of identity shift and acculturation among Japanese college students living in the United States. As these students immerse themselves in a new culture, they reshape their existing cultural identities. By using a qualitative approach that includes semi-structured interviews, the research examines how these students negotiate and form their personalized cultural identities while adjusting to American norms and expectations. The findings highlight that Japanese students adopt a range of acculturation styles—including integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization—depending on personal factors such as language proficiency, length of stay, personality, and the availability of support networks. Many students report a hybrid identity formation, where they begin to incorporate elements of both Japanese and American cultures. Moreover, the study emphasizes how acculturation is a dynamic and fluid experience that evolves over time. Identity shifts as well as acculturation were often seen as students navigate between Japanese and American cultural expectations. Because students face challenges such as cultural shocks, homesickness, and identity confusion are common, they experience significant personal growth, increased intercultural competence, and a broader worldview. The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of intercultural adaptation among international students and offers implications for educational institutions aiming to support their cultural and psychological adjustment.
Sociocultural adjustment of Gen Z international students and social media usage
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2025) Motohashi, Nana; Kim, Ji Young; Communication
As student mobility prevails, an increasing number of students pursue higher education opportunities abroad. Although there is a rising population of international students in the U.S., there is a shortage of empirical research assessing their successes and challenges, leading to continuous barriers. Additionally, research focusing specifically on Hawai‘i is limited, despite the fact that Hawai‘i has a significant number of international students. This study explored the ways in which international students in Hawai‘i adapt to the host culture, including their use of social media. The findings revealed that students employed both convergence and divergence code-switching strategies to adjust to their new environment while maintaining cultural identity. Social media served as a crucial tool for adaptation, facilitating social connections, networking, and event exploration. Even though FoMo was seen to hinder their adaptation, JoMo was also identified. Moreover, AI tools became essential to academic success, highlighting the need for AI-assisted systems for universities. This study highlighted the importance of Hawai‘i’s multicultural inclusivity in easing student adjustment to preserve its welcoming atmosphere for international education.
Barriers first generation college students at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa face when communicating their need for social support
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2025) Meza-De Luna, Jessica; Neo, Rachel; Communication
First-generation college students play a crucial role in higher education, and understanding theirbarriers when communicating their need for social support is essential to supporting their success and improving outcomes for first-generation students in higher education. This study analyzes the types of barriers first-generation college students (FGCS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa face when communicating their need for social support. This study includes relevant literature and concepts including the benefits of social support, and sources and types of social support. The overall goal for this research is to recognize the barriers FGCS face in communicating their need for social support to give us insights on their perspectives and experiences in college. In a series of semi-structured in-depth interviews with 13 first-generation college students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, I show that there are differences in the types of social support that first generation students derive from professional resources and interpersonal sources, and that there are a multitude of factors that prevent first generation college students from communicating their need for social support, notably: negative feelings of fear and shame, lack of trust in support sources, self-doubt, self-reliance, social disconnection, and family upbringing. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Measuring algorithmic literacy and internet skills in Hawaiʻi resident internet users
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2025) Parke, Robert; Buente, Wayne; Communication
This paper explores what standards and foundations of algorithmic comprehension are correlated to engage equitably in our current digital economy. The tenets foundational to this study will be algorithm literacy, comprised of algorithm awareness and algorithm knowledge, and Internet skills provided based on current research in the field. Empowering users to successfully recognize and navigate algorithm-experiences online will limit misinformation, data exploitation and manipulation leading to enhanced autonomy in online and offline decision-making. The study results offer plausible policy recommendations for a civil society that is equipped to make the most comprehensive and considerate decisions with regards to digital innovations and implementation.
Navigating the intersection of instagram and elite female distance runners: A study on body image, performance, and social media influence
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2025) Tan, Nathania Chung Yee; Kim, Jiyoung; Communication
Instagram, a globally popular photo and video-sharing social media platform, has revolutionized the way people connect, communicate, and inspire each other across diverse communities. The platform provides a space not only for casual interaction but also for promoting various lifestyle trends, including fitness and wellness. One of the emerging trends deeply embedded in Instagram’s culture is fitspiration (a combination of fitness and inspiration), which features images and videos of fit individuals, particularly women, engaging in exercise routines and showcasing a healthy lifestyle (Abena, 2013). The main objective of the fitspiration trend is to motivate and inspire other women to adopt an active, healthy way of living. However, alongside its positive aspirations, the trend has also sparked concerns about its unintended consequences, especially on mental and physical health. Each day, millions of women are exposed to countless fitspiration posts on Instagram, allowing them access to a constant stream of idealized images of athletic and toned bodies. While this content is intended to encourage women to pursue fitness, it can inadvertently contribute to negative self-perception, body dissatisfaction, and other issues related to body image. The accessibility of these images, often without critical reflection on their potential impacts, has led many women to internalize narrow beauty standards that emphasize thinness, muscularity, and an idealized form of fitness that is difficult to achieve for most.
Ua ulu ke kōwelo a ka lā: An exploration of multigenerational kumu hula teaching styles and their impact on Hawaiian cultural transmission
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2025) Lopes, Kaʻōnohikaumakaakeawe Kananiokeakua Holokai; Winter, Jenifer S.; Communication
Ua Ulu Ke Kōwelo a Ka Lā explores the multigenerational kumu hula teaching styles within thecontext of preserving Hawaiian traditions and practices. Through interviews with seven kumu hula, this research examines the importance of maintaining cultural knowledge, fostering meaningful relationships between teachers and students, and adapting teaching methods to various contexts. The study highlights five key themes: personalizing education, investing in both the kumu hula and ʻōlapa, collective teaching, bridging traditional knowledge with students’ passions, and the preservation of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) as a critical legacy. Drawing on personal experiences and the guidance of my own kumu hula, this work emphasizes the significance of pilina (connection/relationships) in the transmission of hula and cultural practices. The findings underscore the responsibility of kumu hula and their students to sustain traditions, while also recognizing the adaptability of hula as it evolves with new generations. This thesis contributes to the documentation of hula lineages and aims to inspire future research and efforts to preserve and expand the knowledge and practice of hula across Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Indigenous language as a source of connection to nature - an exploratory study of volunteers in Hawaiian organizations
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2025) Vieira de Paiva Conde, Julia; Kim, Ji Young; Communication
This study focuses on Indigenous language preservation as a pathway to nature preservation. It explores how Indigenous languages can foster deeper connections between humans and nature, reflecting a Positive Deviance approach in which solutions emerge from within communities. It specifically focuses on the place-based learning of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and its role in shaping ecological understanding through community-based volunteering experiences in Hawai‘i. It examines language loss and revitalization, especially in the Hawaiian context, and recognizes the community's efforts in language preservation as a model for meaningful, lasting effects. Grounded in a humanities-based lens and drawing on qualitative analysis, the study's findings show how language acts as a channel for transmitting Indigenous knowledge, facilitating shifts in worldview through complementary frameworks such as Hard Nature Understanding (pragmatic or functional view of nature) and Soft Nature Understanding (emotional or philosophical view of nature). This shift changes individuals’ perceptions from viewing nature as passive to experiencing it as a living presence, from detachment to cultural embeddedness, and from anthropocentric to ecocentric. The key implication of the study is that learning with and from Indigenous knowledge systems can break societal generational cycles of disconnection and cultivate new forms of care, responsibility, and belonging with nature. In this regard, it also emphasizes the importance of bottom-up approaches in language policy and planning, positioning volunteers and community-based organizations as key agents in Indigenous knowledge and language preservation.
Perpetuating Japanese New Year Traditions Through Place-Based Transmedia Storytelling
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2024) Reed, Kristen Namba; Winter, Jenifer S.; Communication
Many of the traditions of Japanese contract laborers to Hawaiʻi in the late 1800s and early 1900s still exist today, passed down from generation to generation through oral stories and shared experiences. The varied nuance of traditions, like recipes, belie a migration story that connects contemporary life to ancestral homes in Japan. These cultural stories, and especially the significance behind the traditions, are being lost as generations closest to their ancestral homes pass on. These cultural stories, which were first passed around the dinner tables, in casual intergenerational talk story fashion, must be preserved and perpetuated in dynamic, engaging storytelling forms that honor the same value through a place-based transmedia storytelling. My thesis focuses on the Japanese New Year food traditions of ozōni, as a cultural practice that was passed down from the first Issei (first generation) migrants from Japan to the young Gosei (fifth generation). This tradition, history, and familial stories is shared through the application of transmedia storytelling theories, as defined by Henry Jenkins and expanded by Donna Hancox, Marie-Lure Ryan, and others who propose radical new visions for transmedia storytelling for non-commercial application. Through the creation of an interactive picture book digital mock-up and a video game project treatment, I utilize the affordances of each media in a transmedia storytelling approach to perpetuate Japanese New Year traditions, specifically the cooking and consuming of ozōni, through place-based, multi-modal stories. The target age for these transmedia stories is 10-years-old and above, an age commonly identified as middle grade students, readers, and players. For the development of the picture book, I wrote the narrative text, created the accompanying illustrations, sourced articles and archival images, gathered personal, family photographs and artifacts, and combined them together to create a digital mock-up of the interactive picture book. In a professional publishing process, this interactive picture book would be developed with a professional illustrator, graphic designers, and other content and technical experts, but to illustrate the application of transmedia storytelling, having a digital mock-up suffices. The accompanying video game treatment includes concept art, story narrative, formal game elements, and mechanics. The treatment also contains a general story arc, descriptions of characters, environment, generations (called “Eras” in the game), and key artifacts like that of the interactive picture book.
FACTORS OF BRAND LOYALTY: KAKAO CASE STUDY
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2024) Plummer, Avion; Kim, Ji young; Communication
Abstract Brand loyalty plays a key role in establishing a presence in the social media market. Kakao, one of the most popular Korean mobile applications, was selected in this study to explore the brand loyalty factors. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted among Korean customers in the U.S. Findings suggested that Kakao was able to establish a connection between their brand and their customers based on the following factors: brand image, trust, easy access, and cost. These factors would strengthen Kakao’s brand loyalty even when users have some complaints about the brand. For example, some users said that their satisfaction tends to be reduced when Kakao implements business channels for an organization. Users said they started to feel “annoyed” and “distrust” as they received promotional messages through the business communication channels. However, it would later be discovered that despite some of the conflicts with the brand itself, Koreans still established a strong loyalty presence with the Kakao brand and have shown reluctance to switch to mobile applications because of the amount of time invested in the application. Keywords: Brand, brand loyalty, trust, Kakao, mobile communication, relationship
BENEVOLENCE AND PROPAGANDA: DEPICTIONS OF THE PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN WAR THROUGH CINEMA IN EARLY 20TH CENTURY
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2024) Campos, Dwayne Cachero; Kramer, Hanae; Communication
The history of the Philippine-American War of 1899 to 1902 tells of the conflict between American military forces and Filipino nationalists over the sovereignty of the Philippines archipelago. Propaganda by American expansionists justified American occupation and attrition through ideologies of American exceptionalism, nationalism, manifest destiny, and racial superiority. During this time, various companies within the American film industry were fighting to establish their place in American culture, media, and entertainment. The advent of the moving image camera and projector allowed film producers to capture and present the vibrancy of life to American audiences in new and inventive ways. When the novelty of projected film images waned towards the end of the 20th century, the allure of war images brought American audiences back to film exhibition halls. This rising popularity of war films arguably revived the film industry and prompted film companies to produce war films for the American public. Current media histories related to the Philippine-American War suggest that powers within the American government and military directly influenced the production of war films, and that such pro-American attitudes translated directly onto the screen. This study examines such assertions through historical research and qualitative content analysis. This study examined war films produced from 1899 - 1900 by two of America’s prominent film companies at the turn of the 20th century, the Edison Manufacturing Company and the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company (i.e., Biograph Company). Research results suggest American political and military powers provided little direction over film production. Though late 19th and 20th century American films conveyed strong symbolisms of American expansionist ideologies, the manner of their production indicates a structure of social propaganda rather than political propaganda.
DECOLONIZING THE NEWS: A comprehensive analysis of the use of Decolonial Journalism strategies in four U.S. States
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2024) van Veenendaal, Alice A.; Buente, Wayne; Communication
This thesis delves into the representation of Indigenous Peoples in American newspaper coverage, with a focus on Alaska, New Mexico, Montana, and North Dakota. Inspired by the meticulous investigation of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) issues in Alaska by Anchorage Daily News in collaboration with ProPublica, this thesis aimed to determine the prevalence of such investigative practices in states with higher Indigenous populations. Considering Alaska's historical trajectory, characterized by later colonization and the establishment of a tribal system through Native Corporations, the study questions whether Alaska exhibits better Indigenous relations and representations compared to other states following traditional land-reservation management paradigms. Employing a comprehensive newspaper analysis, 75 articles from major newspapers in these four states are subjected to in-depth review. Drawing from the conceptual framework of decolonizing journalism proposed by Indigenous Canadian journalist Duncan McCue, a codebook was developed to guide the analysis. The findings suggest an improvement in coverage quality and strategies employed by different newspapers to amplify Indigenous voices. This thesis highlights varying approaches employed by newspapers as they attempt to amplify Indigenous voices, cultures, and issues.
FARMERS’ INFORMATION-SEEKING DURING THE GLOBAL COVID-19 PANDEMIC: CASE STUDY OF HAWAI’I KUNIA LOA RIDGE FARMLANDS
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2023) Almazan, Winlove; Kim, Ji Young; Communication
This research study explores the use of smartphones in Kunia Loa Ridge Farmlands (KLRF) in Hawai’i during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The study uses face-to-face in-depth interviews. Uses and Gratification Theory illustrates how KLRF farm workers use smartphones to follow social media, build social networking, and seek work-related information. Analysis of all the collected qualitative data indicates that the smartphone is being used for multiple purposes, including entertainment, finance, safety, and security by KLRF farm workers and owners. Particularly, KLRF farm workers and farm workers use different forms of smartphone media to relax by reading their daily news, playing games, and listening to music. There is potential for KLRF to become a sustainable industry for the State of Hawai’i, as seen through the lens of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), by using smartphones as a medium. Keywords: smartphone, smart farm, automation, uses of technology, communication
THE SEXUALIZATION OF FEMALE ATHLETES’ BODIES AS PORTRAYED BY SOCIAL MEDIA
(University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2023) Cowell, Chandler; Kim, Ji Young; Communication
The sexualization of female athletes in both mainstream and social media is a topic that has gained increased attention over time. This trend of placing focus on the body over athletic abilities or successes reinforces the idea of a sexist social construct and promotes an impossible standard of maintained perfection. The construct where women are expected and shaped to conform to the limited scope of what is deemed “attractive” has become a significant contributor to the ongoing struggle to recognize the power of female athletes beyond their athletic attributes. This hyper-focus on athletic appearance can detract from athletic performance and the sport as a whole. Media's headlines continuously critique female athletes' bodies, practices, and competition attire which in turn can take away valuable space in headlines. This cycle of constant comparison continues to reinforce heteronormative values that affect not only top female professional athletes but all who view, consume, and internalize the same construct being put forth. Media's portrayal of female athletes' images promotes standards and constructs that influence viewers and shape a reality that benefits media companies' profitability and narrative control. This portrayal not only shapes viewers' perspectives but also has the potential to adversely affect the holistic well-being of female athletes. The findings in this study show that survey respondents reported different perceptions of female athletes when they viewed images of female athletes participating in their sport or not participating in their sport.
Local Science for Tourists: Relaying the Importance of Regenerative Tourism Education in Hawaiʻi
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2023) Salvador, Reanna; Kramer, Hanae; Communication
This research focuses on the shift to regenerative tourism in Hawaiʻi. This project is based on three categories essential for this transition, as identified by Dredge (2022): mindset shift, systems change, and practice. To center the interests of Hawaiʻi residents within the local visitor industry, I examine the potential future of regenerative tourism education in Hawaiʻi while addressing ongoing resident concerns about overtourism and environmental damage. Acknowledging the need within the industry to better educate travelers on responsible tourism practices, this study provides insights and pilot materials that could help promote a Hawaiʻi-based model for regenerative tourism. Ultimately, this work aims to communicate the importance of fostering reciprocal relationships among tourism stakeholders.
Effective Communication In ROTC Battalion Operations: Strategies That Build Towards An Operative And Successful Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Battalion
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2023) Massey-Torres, David Roy; Neo, Rachel L.; Communication
The research in this thesis aims to identify the communication strategies contributing to effective team building in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Many elements are involved in communication processes, especially in the military, because of the elaborate structure of the organization. Effective communication regarding ROTC operations involves in-depth studies on the application of team building and cross-cultural communication of the participants involved in ROTC. Communication strategies are the core reasoning for this thesis on the important factors that aid in facilitating effective operations in ROTC. Four themes emerged as general communication strategies for team building: goal-oriented communication strategies, modes of communication, motivational communication strategies, and consensus building communication strategies. Five themes emerged as cross-cultural communication strategies for team building within the ROTC: actions that communicate inclusivity, visual/non-verbal communication, didactic communication, question asking, and by the book communication. Implications of study findings are discussed.
Small businesses use on social media to advocate CSR and relationship outcomes among stakeholders
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2023) Corotan, Liza Marie C.; Kim, Ji Young; Communication
The present study experimentally investigated the interactivity on social media platforms of small businesses in Hawaiʻi, specifically identifying which social media platforms businesses primarily use when they promote CSR activities and what kind of CSR strategies promote positive relationship outcomes (i.e. trust, loyalty, and transparency) with customers. Past research studies have identified helpful strategies for small businesses to implement in order to increase customers; However, the relationship outcomes with customers needed to be further researched. Small businesses in Hawaiʻi were chosen as primary participants to provide direct applicability to these businesses and hoping it can translate to other businesses as well. 13 small businesses in Hawaiʻi were interviewed online answering questions about the social media platforms in which they currently use and finding successful CSR activities that can be used as a guide to increase positive relationship outcomes with their customers. Findings concluded that Instagram is the most used platform among participants in which their personal experiences with social media and target audience influenced their decision to create their business an account. Sharing behind the scenes content such as product making, personal values, community outreach, and sustainable actions can help reach out to like-minded customers and build a strong connection with a small business. Findings related to the research questions emphasized humanizing their small business is vital to maintain and grow relationally with their customers. Since participants in this study were small businesses in the food and services and retail sector, expanding the research to restaurants and the hospitality industry may propose different CSR strategies to promote on social media.
Did You See That Post?: The Contribution of Instagram to Racial Injustice & Rebellious Communication
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2023) Sison, Justine Kuna Hernando; Neo, Rachel L.; Communication
For many years, social media platforms have been utilized as tools for political advocacy and social activism, particularly by people who have experienced racial injustice. This was made apparent once more in 2020, when George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed by a White Minneapolis police officer, culminating in massive protests that illustrated the influence and strength of these platforms. Using a close-ended survey, this study aims to examine how Instagram contributes to rebellious communication and social movements against racial injustice. Specifically, this study augments the current understanding of rebellious communication through the following theoretical lenses: Stuart Hall’s Theory of Message Reception (Hall, 1993), Situation Theory of Problem Solving (Kim et al., 2021), Social Identity of Model of Collective Action (Van Zomeren et al., 2008), and Contact Hypothesis (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2005). One of the major findings from this study was that the number of direct encounters with people who have experienced racial injustice predicted high levels of engagement in rebellious communication on Instagram, participation in protests against racial injustice, and support for laws and policies that promote racial equality. This finding is somewhat in line with previous research that direct encounters with people who have experienced racial injustice are a learning experience for individuals. However, another significant finding that ran counter to expectations is that the level of exposure to racial injustice content was not a major influence.
Pathways To Overcoming Intercultural Conflicts Across Organizations In The United States
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2023) Hussain, Haider Rifaat; Kim, Ji Young; Communication
This paper examines key causes and solutions to intercultural conflicts across organizations in the United States. Fifteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with new, current, retired and/or former employees belonging to culturally diverse organizations in the U.S. who experienced intercultural hardships. Both, employer and employee perspectives were considered. Causes of intercultural conflicts, personal experiences with intercultural conflicts, strategies to navigate cultural frictions and organizations’ role in reducing conflicts were carefully studied. Work ethics shaped by cultures, miscommunication, adjustment problems, misunderstandings, class conflict and nonconformist attitudes at work were a few causes of intercultural conflicts. Not every cultural interaction was based on conflict either. Workplace interaction with different cultures emerged as learning experiences for some interviewees. Employees shared that they would diffuse intercultural conflicts at work by developing awareness of different cultures, understanding individuals’ intentions and finding commonalities instead of differences. Employers recommended investing in trainings and observing workplace behaviors to reduce intercultural struggles. They emphasized the role of talk stories and a conflict resolution process to foster intercultural harmony. Both employers who were interviewed had no current organizational policy to address intercultural conflicts. Hence, findings from this paper can help organizations implement a comprehensive policy to investigate and resolve intercultural conflicts between and among employees.
Guiding Entrepreneurs In Creating A Successful And Sustainable Short-term Rental Business
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2022) Frazier, Quentin; Kramer, Hanae; Communication
As the market for short term rentals continues to emerge and evolve, there is a need for up to date guidance for one looking to enter the market. Subsequently, the purpose of this study is centered on providing information, resources, and practices useful in guiding entrepreneurs in successfully forming and operating a short term rental business. The research dives deep into several entrepreneurial aspects and investigates the different formative and operative elements present in a short term rental business. This qualitative study establishes useful knowledge from seven experienced individuals currently operating a short term rental business out of the Southern California region and incorporates key findings that could be useful toward the study’s research questions. The overall objective is to provide entrepreneurs with direction and knowledge useful when pursuing the short term rental market and building a short term rental business.
Connections between Jawaiian Music and the Local Culture of Hawai‘i
(University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2022) Chun, Matthew; Kramer, Hanae; Communication
This qualitative study investigates the connections between Jawaiian music and the local culture of Hawaii. By exploring Jawaiian musicians and fan's perspectives through in-depth interviews, the study aims to detail the relationship between the music and culture. The results of the study reveals that both musicians and fans feel the strong connections between Jawaiian music and the local culture of Hawaii. Jawaiian music inspires people to learn about the local culture of Hawaii. The local culture of Hawaii also influences how music is written for musicians. Fans are able to provide an impact to musicians on what songs are about. The culture of Hawaii is spreading Jawaiian music throughout the community. Musicians are continuing to provide songs that provide an impact on individuals in the community and fans are having a role in making Jawaiian music popular. Jawaiian music and the local culture have a coexisting relationship that is providing knowledge to both musicians, fans, and society.

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