The emergence of micro-social networks: A case study of Locket’s role in shaping young users’ experiences in social media

Abstract

This study examines how young users perceive Locket, a micro-social networking app, and how this platform shapes their social connectedness and emotional well-being. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications framework, the research employs a qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews with young users in Vietnam. Findings reveal that participants value the app’s intimacy, simplicity, and privacy, which contrast with the performative and competitive nature of larger platforms. At the same time, users’ accounts indicate that such gratifications are situational and shaped by ongoing relational participation and everyday media routines. Beyond academic insight, the findings have implications for educators, policymakers, and mental-health professionals, as well as for developers and marketers seeking to design user-centered platforms that promote digital well-being.