Research Article

Technology-enhanced information-seeking behavior among students on Facebook and TikTok in Vietnam

Khang Tan Nguyen 1 2 * , Hanny Hafiar 3
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1 University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM2 Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM3 Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, INDONESIA* Corresponding Author
Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 16(2), April 2026, e202625, https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/18490
Published: 29 April 2026
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ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate how students in Vietnam seek, access, and categorize information on Facebook and TikTok, and how platform-specific characteristics shape these behaviors. Grounded in the uses and gratifications framework, the study employed a quantitative approach using a structured questionnaire administered to 410 students from seven member institutions of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City through stratified convenience sampling. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis to assess the reliability and factor structure of the scales developed for Facebook and TikTok. The findings reveal clear differences in students’ information-seeking and categorization behaviors between the two platforms. On Facebook, five distinct information categories were identified, while on TikTok only three broader categories emerged, reflecting the influence of short-form and highly personalized content. The study provides original comparative evidence from Vietnam, confirms the importance of platform structure and user motivations in shaping information-seeking behavior, and offers practical implications for improving students’ digital information literacy.
Keywords: digital communication behavior, usage motivation, digital information literacy, digital content consumption, social media platforms

CITATION (APA)

Nguyen, K. T., & Hafiar, H. (2026). Technology-enhanced information-seeking behavior among students on Facebook and TikTok in Vietnam. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 16(2), e202625. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/18490

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