Applying the Perspective of Technology Sensemaking to Plurk User Behaviors: An Exploratory Study

Although microblogging has become a global phenomenon, there has been surprisingly little research on the subject. Thus, this paper aims to serve as an exploratory study that probes into microblogging user behaviors. This study suggests that users´ cognitive processes and use of technology can be explained from the perspective of technology sensemaking. Thus, this study treats Plurk as the target, and probes into Plurk´s user behaviors from the perspective of technology sensemaking. The analysis is based on grounded theory and content analysis. According to findings based on grounded theory, the content to which users´ apply technology sensemaking on Plurk was categorized into four types: reality shows, mood bulletins, kiosks, and propaganda vehicles. Content analysis demonstrates that these four types meet users´ descriptions of Plurk user behaviors and expands the application of the perspective of technology sensemaking to non-organizational situations. Finally, conclusions and suggestions for future studies are proposed.