Embodiments of a user station (STA) and methods for synchronizing with devices in a wireless communication network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a STA accesses a list of social channels. The STA may transmit a scan message on a primary social channel. The primary social channel may be included in the list of social channels. The STA may determine an identity of the primary social channel by inspecting the list of social channels. The STA may synchronize with a device on the primary social channel when the STA detects transmissions on the primary social channel within a time duration subsequent to transmitting the scan message on the primary social channel. Otherwise, the STA may transmit a scan message on a secondary social channel selected from the list.