Multimodal communication of TikTok in the interpersonal relationships of Communication students at the San Francisco Xavier University of Chuquisaca

Abstract

Currently, the rise of digital platforms has transformed the ways in which we communicate and interact socially, especially among young people. TikTok, as a social network based on a combination of text, images, and audio, has established itself as a key space for expression and socialization. The objective of this article was to determine the role of TikTok's multimodal communication in the interpersonal relationships of first-year students of the Social Communication Sciences program at the Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca (USFX). This research adheres to the emerging paradigm, with a mixed approach and a descriptive and explanatory approach, based on a DEXPLIS and cross-sectional research design. A 22-question Likert-type questionnaire was administered to a stratified probability sample of 132 university students and interviews were conducted with three key informants. Among the main findings, it can be highlighted that this type of communication enhances the effectiveness of messages, facilitates understanding, and generates richer and more dynamic communicative experiences. The consumption and production of multimodal content is changing the way we communicate. This helps develop empathy, diversifies conversation topics, and allows for creative sharing of experiences. However, there are also risks, such as superficial interactions and a tendency to compare oneself with others. Finally, semiotic elements (text, images, audio) must be carefully managed to avoid overload and promote effective communication.