WeChat as Social Connection Enabler for Hong Kong Drifters during the Pandemic: A Positive Technology Perspective

Hong Kong drifters, also known as gang piao, are mainlanders who reside and work in Hong Kong. The term “drifter” in Chinese reflects the restlessness and anxiety experienced by this group. Their situation is further compounded by the prolonged closure of borders between mainland of China and Hong Kong due to pandemic-related restrictions. WeChat, a Chinese social media platform, is believed to serve as the primary avenue for social connection among Hong Kong drifters during these challenging times. WeChat exemplifies the potential of positive technology (PT) in enhancing human experiences and psychological well-being. In this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 Hong Kong drifters and analyzed the data thematically. The findings highlight the critical role of WeChat in providing emotional, instrumental, and informational social support amidst social distancing measures. The platform fosters a sense of connection and value among users, whether it is through interactions with family, friends, or WeChat groups. Additionally, we examined the relationship between the sense of relatedness to different individuals on WeChat and its impact on social and psychological well-being outcomes. This paper aims to contribute to the advancement of PT by refining the overarching framework of social connectedness and offering insights into leveraging social media platforms like WeChat to enhance human well-being in situations such as social distancing.