westerners VS easterners way of communication

Hello!!
I've been trying to find proof saying that Malaysian students in higher education prefer to communicate through online as compared face-to-face. Especially when it involves with higher authority such as lecturer, professionals etc..

I’ve look into Geert Hofstede research but it is too generalise and there is no study in Malaysian context. I’m hoping any of you could help me with suggesting some article or reading that could lead to the answers……

But do ask yourself, do you prefer to communicate through online or face-to-face when dealing with higher people????

Cheers!