How Social Media Shapes Who We Are
Jul 21, 2025
11:55:44
Dr. Pham Hai Chung brings a wealth of expertise to BUV, having served as the Senior Lecture and Programme Lead of the Professional Communications programme. Before joining BUV, Dr. Pham Hai Chung was a researcher at Harvard Kennedy School in the U.S. She earned her Ph.D. in Media and Communication from Bournemouth University, England, and holds an M.A. in International Journalism from Hong Kong Baptist University.
With over 16 years of experience in academia and industry, Dr. Chung has many publications in prestigious outlets like the Financial Times, VnExpress, and various peer-reviewed journals in Europe.
Beyond her work on historical narratives and media, Dr. Chung actively investigates the role of social media in shaping the identities of younger generations. Her research focuses on critical issues such as identity construction on Facebook, the impact of photo manipulations, and its effects on self-esteem.
Currently, Dr. Chung is involved in a prestigious British Academy-funded project hosted by Bournemouth University. This project explores chosen trauma, national identity, and consumer nationalism as they manifest on social media platforms.
Reflecting on her research, Dr. Chung shared: “This study uncovers how significant events can reignite deep-seated sentiments, influencing social media users’ behavior. It highlights the powerful role of social media in shaping national identity and market trends, revealing how users often carry symbolic meanings tied to national pride and collective memory.”
For students eager to explore the world of research, Dr. Chung emphasizes the value of patience and passion. She encourages students to investigate diverse topics inspired by everyday life and the environments they inhabit. She also underscores the importance of seeking out and collaborating with knowledgeable partners to enrich the research process.
📌 See more of her research:
https://aip.vse.cz/artkey/aip-202201-0005_body-image-esteem-and-photo-manipulation-among-social-media-users.php
https://www.routledge.com/Winning-North-Vietnams-Hearts-and-Minds-during-the-Vietnam-War-1954-1975-Chosen-Glories/Pham/p/book/9781032833965?srsltid=AfmBOop-MLn-7BHJ-n_fDwx5VOnsLcoMhQQi4L1_sJn-VJgO72n0KaQs
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jcm-09-2014-1159/full/html#:~:text=For%20Vietnamese%20consumers%2C%20Western%20brands,Hanoi%2C%20female%2C%2024