The contribution of social media and digital media in the migrants’ journey

By Maria Kotrotsiou from E-SCHOOL

Social media and digital media have significantly impacted the journey of migrants in various ways, both positive and negative.

Evidently, narratives in the traditional media are frequently politically motivated due to the press’s own partiality, as demonstrated by a systematic literature review. By imposing a particular framework on migration, they subsequently influence how migrants perceive the EU. Frequently, information offensives through conventional media channels—such as newspaper and television advertisements—are employed to disseminate these narratives in opposition to irregular migration.

The reviewed literature uncovered four primary narratives that shape the discourse surrounding migration and migrants. Positive and negative perceptions alternated regarding these. Criticism (35 %), victimization (4 %), solidarity (16 %), and xenophobia (23 %) comprised the narratives discovered. Clearly, narratives of migration as a crisis predominated, according to the cited literature.

Social and digital media serve as tools for a variety of objectives. It is utilised to collect information regarding employment and transportation in the new country, as well as to organise travel arrangements. Furthermore, it is utilised to collect data pertaining to navigation and the local climate within the foreign nation.

When it comes to immigrants and refugees, documenting and sharing new experiences is a critical aspect of social media. Migrants disseminate their personal narratives via social media platforms, thereby offering a human-centric outlook on the migration experience that challenges preconceived notions and stereotypes. Furthermore, by enabling migrants to document and share aspects of their culture via digital media, their heritage is preserved and made available to an international audience.

However, in addition to being positive, the impacts of social media on immigrants are also favourable. For example, the dissemination of false information on social media platforms may influence migrants to make uninformed choices, which could potentially jeopardise their safety. Furthermore, certain criminals exploit migrants via social media by impersonating employment agencies or making false opportunities appear to be available. Some criminals exploit migrants via social media by impersonating employment agencies or promising fake opportunities.

In summary, social media and digital media play a complex role in the migration journey, offering valuable resources and connections but also introducing risks and challenges that need careful consideration and regulation.