Understanding the Importance WhatsApp Group and How Indonesian Students Utilize the Platform in Australia

Abstract

This study tries to explain the communication pattern of Indonesian students in Australia when using WhatsApp (WA) group, adhering to the Uses and Gratification theory. Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, this participatory study took data from a WA group dedicated to postgraduate students in Australia with financial support from a specific scholarship (L). Data were collected by categorizing WA posts which span from August 2019 to October 2019 and also using online questionnaire distributed to the member of the group. The result of the research provides an insight into how Indonesian students utilize and interacts within the WA group. Findings show variance on how participants in the group interact with another and how they value the importance of the platform.