Han W, Zhao Y C, Zhu Q. Exploring the Blocking Behavior Between Young Adults and Parents on WeChat Moments[C]//Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population. Social Media, Games and Assistive Environments. HCII 2019. Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 2019: 65-76.

Abstract: With the technology affordance of "blocking" function provided by the WeChat platform, users can have some autonomy to choose which updates can be seen by others. In everyday life information practices of social media, young adults often block their parents on WeChat Moments due to various reasons. However, the blocking behavior hinders intergenerational communication between parents and children, and may cause more misunderstandings and alienation. In this paper, semi-structured interviews are conducted with thirteen young adults between 20 to 30 years of age, exploring factors that impact blocking behaviors in young adults. According to the findings, three kinds of blocking behaviors by young people on WeChat moments are identified, and four reasons that cause blocking behaviors are also presented.

Keywords: Blocking behavior; Parent-child interaction; Intergenerational communication; WeChat moments; Semi-structured interview