Media Usage and Acculturation: Asian Indian Professionals in Silicon Valley* |
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| Authors: | Priya Raman Jake Harwood |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Communication Studies, San José State University, San José, CA, USA;2. Department of Communication, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA |
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| Abstract: | We examine connections between media use, intergroup contact, and acculturation in 237 Asian Indian professionals in Silicon Valley, drawing on theories of immigrant acculturation, intergroup contact, and media effects. Quality of host contact positively predicted acculturation. Indian (ethnic) media consumption negatively predicted acculturation, and American (host) media consumption was positively related to acculturation. Ethnic television viewing exacerbated the effects of negative intergroup contact on acculturation. Respondents used social networking websites to maintain both host and ethnic ties. Host cultural/informational capital was positively related to acculturation. Host media consumption was positively related to political engagement and loneliness. |
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| Keywords: | Intergroup contact acculturation Asian Indian media effects SNS information capital |
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