Between ‘homeland’ and ‘the local’: the shared cultural imaginary of Tantan among Chinese communities in Australia

Abstract

This article examines the cultural imaginary of Tantan shared among Australian Chinese diasporic users. Drawing on data collected through the walkthrough method and 16 interviews with Australia-based Chinese users of Tantan, this article finds that participants were able to perceive and contribute to the shared cultural references and norms on Tantan, which show a close connection with social media cultures in China. However, Tantan in Australia is not merely an extension of Chinese Internet culture; rather, it features unique characteristics that reflect elements of local Australian culture. This article argues that Tantan profile styles embody Chinese users’ diasporic identification in Australia, which involves an ongoing process of cultural navigation in their host country. Furthermore, as a geolocational app, Tantan also has the potential to bridge the flow of digital culture between ‘homeland’ and ‘the local’ with the transnational movements of its users.