A Study on the Communication Path and Acceptance of the Dream of Red Mansions among Young People in the Era of Smart Media: The Multi-dimensional Influence of Fragmented Information Transmission on the Acceptance of Classic Literature

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52152/RCR.V14.S2

Keywords:

Dream of Red Mansion, Female Servants, Communication Pathways, Fragmented Information, Classic Literature

Abstract

This study explores how Dream of the Red Mansions (Honglou Meng) is perceived by the young audience in the smart media age; especially how the fragmented information format influences the audience's comprehension and engagement. Fragmented information formats refer to shortened and decontextualized content, such as memes, short videos, and social media snippets, designed for quick consumption but may oversimplify complex narratives. The COM-B model is used to assess three factors influencing behavior: Capability (e.g., the servants’ limited education and autonomy), Opportunity (e.g., societal and hierarchical constraints), and Motivation (e.g., deeply ingrained Confucian values). The study utilizes a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology in synthesizing scholarly findings to provide a multi-dimensional perspective. However, results demonstrate that digital platforms facilitate greater access, yet the novel’s complex narrative and cultural themes are oversimplified, hindering comprehension. Audiences are fragmented through the media formats, but the narrative is lost. In the context of the COM-B model, it emphasizes that the behavior of female servants is based on a lack of capacities and limited opportunities. It was due to deeply ingrained cultural motivations rooted in Confucian values, reinforcing ethical conformity. The study emphasizes that the adaptations must be balanced digital adaptations, which represent cultural complexity yet appeal to their contemporary audience. It also argues for the use of educational strategies and interactive designs that enhance the reader’s appreciation of literature without diminishing the cultural and ethical richness of the novel.

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2026-04-13

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