The Generation Logic, Multidimensional Influence, and Work Path Innovation of College Students' Online Social Circles

Abstract

The profound development of the mobile internet has not only reshaped the social landscape of university students but also given
rise to the phenomenon of "circle formation" based on shared interests and values. This phenomenon is far more than a simple issue of technological application; it is a significant variable that profoundly influences students' value formation, information acquisition patterns, and
socialization process. This paper, based on the frontline work perspective of university counselors, uses participatory observation and in-depth
case studies to go beyond a macro-level "pros and cons" argument, revealing the complex effects of circle formation on students' individual
cognition, emotional connections, and group behavior at the micro-level. The study finds that circle formation is a product of the combined
effects of algorithm-driven mechanisms, individual psychological needs, group interaction rules, and the campus subculture ecosystem. While
it provides students with precise emotional anchors and identity spaces, it also brings the risks of cognitive solidification and weakened realworld social interaction. Based on this, this study proposes that counselors' work should shift from passive response to active embedding. By
constructing a four-dimensional collaborative guidance model of "value guidance, literacy empowerment, platform integration, and psychological support, " a creative dialogue between mainstream values and subcultures can be achieved, thereby guiding students to build an open,
rational, and responsible digital citizen personality while respecting their autonomy.