Title: General and instructional perceptions of South Korean messenger: 'KakaoTalk'

Authors: Hasan Tinmaz; Jin Hwa Lee

Addresses: Endicott College of International Studies, Woosong University, Jayang-Dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon, 300-718, South Korea ' Sol International School, Woosong University, Jayang-Dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon, 300-718, South Korea

Abstract: This study focuses on the most popular messenger application of South Korea: KakaoTalk. We collected data on university students' (n = 699) perceptions about Kakao, both as a social media tool and as an instructional tool, using a survey based on convenience sampling. The final survey after factor analyses included three sections: 1) 11 questions of the participants' self-evaluation about Kakao; 2) 15 Likert scale questions on students' general perception regarding Kakao as a social media tool; 3) 27 Likert scale questions on students' general perceptions of using Kakao as an instructional tool. Factor analysis yielded four reliable factors affecting the general perception of Kakao as a social media tool: Kakao as an addictive, useful, satisfactory and secure tool. Besides, four reliable factors unfolded for the perceived instructional use of Kakao: providing interaction, providing motivation, providing formal/informal learning and facilitating instruction. Comparative analysis also revealed significant differences among certain variables.

Keywords: KakaoTalk; social media; South Korea; mobile app; messenger; instructional use; Kakao.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2020.106715

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2020 Vol.12 No.2, pp.143 - 168

Received: 11 Sep 2017
Accepted: 07 Aug 2018

Published online: 20 Apr 2020 *

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