We are pleased to share that Zihao Zhou, a graduate student in the Department of Sociology, has been awarded the Best Student Paper Award by the Internet, Technology and Digital Sociology (ITDS) Research Cluster at the 2025 Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) Conference.
Their paper, titled “Do discrimination and exclusion leave with dating apps? An exploration of self-presentation of Chinese gay men dating on Douban Group,” explores Douban Group as an alternative queer dating space. The study critically examines whether the platform enables more inclusive and meaningful connections beyond the exclusions often found on mainstream gay dating platforms.
This recognition highlights Zihao Zhou’s contribution to the growing field of digital sociology and queer studies, particularly in the context of Chinese digital cultures.
Congratulations to Zihao Zhou on this well-deserved recognition!