The impact of digital media use on young adults’ intercultural communication competence: a meta-analysis of empirical findings from 2010 to 2025
This meta-analytic study examines the relationship between digital media use and intercultural communication competence (ICC) in young adults. A database search in Scopus and Web of Science initially generated a pool of 1,024 records. After elimination duplicate records from the databases and applying systematic inclusion criteria, 38 independent studies published between 2010 and 2025 were selected for quantitative synthesis. The total sample size of these studies was 14,872 participants. Hedges' g value was calculated as the effect size index within the framework of random effects modeling. The total estimate showed a statistically significant and large effect ( g = 1.08, 95% CI [0.91, 1.25], p < 0.001). This confirms that digital media use is positively associated with the development of ICC among young adults. Inter-study heterogeneity was considerable (I² = 96.4%, Q (37) = 1,038.22, p < 0.001), indicating that moderator analyses were warranted. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to systematically examine the differential effects of specific digital media platform types on ICC, incorporating seven moderator variables across a 15-year period. Seven moderator variables were tested: type of digital media platform, cultural orientation, sample composition, measurement tool, publication year, study design, and country/region. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot asymmetry and Trim-and-Fill procedure. Neither test provided evidence of systematic bias. The findings indicate that Instagram and TikTok-based studies showed the largest effects, while game-based applications yielded more limited effects. Cultural orientation and sample type influenced the results in theoretically consistent ways. For cross-cultural education practices and digital platform design, policymakers and educators are advised to consider the role of platform features, the impact of algorithmic choices, the advantages of content format, and the network structure and interaction design within the context of these variables.