Across this comprehensive six series, we will delve into the pivotal role that social media platforms play in shaping narratives surrounding immigration. Our exploration will navigate the dissemination of information, misinformation, and disinformation about migration across various platforms and analyse how these narratives influence public opinion, evoke reactions, and impact migrant conditions within our communities. By utilising these tools effectively, social impact organisations can amplify their visibility, credibility, and ultimately, their capacity to foster positive social transformation. (Photo by : Pexels-David-Peinado)
Introduction:
The transformative impact of social media platforms in narrating and disseminating information about conflicts and resultant migration trends cannot be overstated. These platforms have become primary sources of real-time news, bypassing traditional media’s gatekeeping role and offering a more immediate, albeit sometimes unverified, flow of information. In the enduring conflict between Israel and Palestine, social media has highlighted the human cost of the conflict, often focusing on the plight of refugees and displaced persons. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been used by Palestinians to share real-time updates, personal stories, and videos of the conflict, garnering international attention and sympathy. This direct line of communication has also been pivotal in organising humanitarian aid and protests globally, showcasing the dual role of social media as a tool for both advocacy and awareness (Farrell, H., & Drezner, D. W., 2020). Similarly, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant displacement of people, with social media platforms playing a critical role in narrating the migration story. Ukrainians have utilised platforms like Instagram and TikTok to document their experiences, from the impact of military actions to the difficult journeys refugees undertake to find safety. These narratives have had a profound impact on public perception and policymaking in destination countries, compelling a faster and more empathetic response from both governments and the international community (Wojcik, S., & Hughes, A., 2021). Moreover, social media has been instrumental in mobilising global support, coordinating volunteer efforts, and facilitating crowdfunding campaigns for refugees.
However, while social media has democratised information dissemination, it also poses significant challenges. The proliferation of unverified information can lead to misinformation and panic, complicating the efforts of relief organisations and policymakers. Additionally, hostile state actors and non-state entities have exploited these platforms to disseminate propaganda, fuel xenophobia, and manipulate public opinion on migration issues (Bradshaw, S., & Howard, P. N., 2019). To foster an accurate, empathetic, and nuanced representation of migration issues, it is imperative for media outlets, including those operating on social media platforms, to commit to robust fact-checking and verification processes. The establishment of collaborative networks among journalists, technology firms, and humanitarian organisations is essential to elevate the calibre of reporting by ensuring access to dependable data and providing the necessary context. Additionally, the implementation of specialised training programs aimed at journalists, focusing on the sensitive coverage of migration and conflict, is pivotal in augmenting the quality of media narratives. Such initiatives promise to make a significant contribution to the public’s understanding and the formulation of policies (UN Compact, 2018). As the dynamics of global change continue to evolve, it is crucial to integrate diverse conversations about these changes into public discourse as a mechanism for raising awareness. Given the rapid dissemination of information through social media and its considerable impact, the responsibility for verifying facts and their relevance cannot be solely relegated to journalists and media organisations. The velocity at which information circulates and its consequential influence necessitate a paradigm shift. Embracing strategies that prioritise both the evolution of facts and their authentication will equip society with the tools needed for enhanced and responsible reporting, thereby mitigating the adverse effects and impact of the indiscriminate sharing of information across the spectrum of social media platforms.
Literature Review on Migration Reporting and the Influence of Social Media on Narrative Formation
Press Freedom and Migration Coverage
The landscape of migration coverage has undergone significant transformation with the advent of mass communications and social media, presenting both challenges and opportunities for accurate reporting and public perception of migration issues. A critical review of existing literature reveals various factors that shape media narratives on migration, including press freedom, pluralism in the media system, professionalism in journalism, newsroom resources, technology, advertising markets, and the emerging role of social media. These elements play crucial roles in either facilitating or constraining the dissemination of complex migration stories, thereby influencing public attitudes, policy outcomes, and social relations (Bleich et al., 2015).
The interplay between press freedom and the depiction of migration issues constitutes a pivotal area for scholarly inquiry within mass communication studies. The capability of the media to independently report on and critically assess government policies, societal occurrences, and the intricate facets of migration substantially shapes the narratives that are presented to the public. Al-Mazahara (2016) highlights the adverse implications of constrained press freedom on the portrayal of migration, noting that in jurisdictions where media freedoms are restricted, reporting on migration is oftentimes aligned with governmental policies, thereby yielding a portrayal of migration that is both biased and incomplete. Such limitations frequently result in the exclusion of migrant voices and a comprehensive understanding of the drivers behind migration.
Conversely, countries characterised by a higher degree of press freedom are recognised for their more comprehensive and balanced reporting on migration. These settings permit journalists and communication enthusiasts to thoroughly explore the complexity of migration, addressing not only the policy-related and political dimensions but also the personal narratives and socio-economic factors underpinning migration flows. The liberty to report from a multiplicity of perspectives enables a more varied and inclusive narrative, thus enhancing informed and empathetic public discourse.
However, despite the presence of media freedom, there remains a tendency within communication to identify a pronounced focus on agendas that align with the domestic policies of countries or reflect the prerogatives of media corporations, potentially steering the coverage of migration towards issues of crime and security, economic prosperity, and cultural identity. Caviedes (2015) observed that in France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, migration coverage from 2009 to 2012 was predominantly framed within economic and ‘securitisation’ contexts. Moreover, debates on immigration differ in intensity across countries, leading to distinct critical narratives that are influenced by national issues of economic and cultural concern (Caviedes, 2015; Esses et al., 2013; Meltzer et al., 2018). Eberl et al. (2019) further affirm that migration from non-EU countries into the EU is frequently cast in a more negative light, with a particular emphasis on security concerns.
Unique insights into the representation of African migrants in European media are provided by Horsti (2008), who analysed media coverage of undocumented African migrants arriving in Spain’s Canary Islands in 2006. This study found that African migrants were seldom depicted as autonomous individuals making rational decisions, with the coverage instead localising the issue to emphasise Finnish and Swedish viewpoints on this distant event. Similarly, Balabanova & Balch (2010) investigated the media portrayal of labour migration in the UK and Bulgaria post-EU enlargement in 2007, revealing that the Bulgarian media often reflected the UK’s narrative due to constraints in newsroom resources for original reporting.
These scholarly efforts underscore the profound influence of press freedom on migration coverage, indicating that while a free press can foster a more nuanced and inclusive portrayal of migration, underlying economic and political agendas may still colour such representations.
In environments where press freedom thrives, traditional media serves as a pivotal conduit, bridging the gap between migrant experiences and broader societal awareness. Such platforms carry the potential to elevate stories of migration — encompassing both trials and triumphs — that may otherwise remain obscured or misinterpreted. The inclusion of a myriad of perspectives not only augments societal comprehension but also enriches policy dialogues, thereby encapsulating a diverse spectrum of considerations and interests.
Furthermore, the vital function of press freedom in dismantling stereotypes and mitigating xenophobia cannot be overstated. In-depth journalistic endeavours that bring migrant narratives to the forefront are instrumental in demystifying migration, challenging entrenched misconceptions, and cultivating an environment of tolerance and empathy. Free journalistic practices that highlight the positive contributions and vibrant stories of migrants substantially contribute to reframing the migration discourse towards a more informed and compassionate understanding.
As evidenced by the insights of Al-Mazahara (2016) and corroborated by a broader review of literature regarding press freedom’s impact on migration coverage, the indispensable nature of an unfettered press in crafting thorough, even-handed, and sensitive narratives about migration is vividly observed. The degree of press freedom available within a society meticulously shapes the narrative contours of migration, exerting a profound influence over both public sentiments and the intricacies of policy formulation.
To be continued…
References:
- Farrell, H., & Drezner, D. W. (2020). The power and politics of blogs. Public Choice.
- Wojcik, S., & Hughes, A. (2021). The role of social media in the Ukraine conflict. Pew Research Center.
- Bradshaw, S., & Howard, P. N. (2019). The global disinformation order. Oxford Internet Institute.
- United Nations. (2018). Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
- Al-Mazahara, M. (2016). The Jordanian media coverage of the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan: Analytical study of daily newspapers. Journal of Middle East Media, 12, 1-20.
- Bleich, E., Bloemraad, I., & Graauw, E. de (2015). Migrants, minorities and the media: Information, representations and participation in the public sphere. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 41(6), 857-873. https://doi. org/10.1080/1369183X.2014.1002197
- Caviedes, A. (2015). An emerging ‘European’ news portrayal of immigration? Journal of Ethnic and Migration Stud- ies, 41(6), 897-917. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2014.1002199
- Esses, V. M., Medianu, S., & Lawson, A. S. (2013). Uncertainty, threat, and the role of the media in promoting the dehumanization of immigrants and refugees. Journal of Social Issues, 69(3), 518-536. https://doi.org/10.1111/ josi.12027
- Meltzer, C. E., Eberl, J.-M., Theorin, N., Lind, F., Schemer, C., Boomgaarden, H. G., Strömbäck, J. & Heidenreich, T. (2018). Perceptions of the impact of immigration and attitudes towards free movement within the EU: A cross- national study: Working paper as part of the REMINDER project. Retrieved December 20, 2020, from https://www. reminder-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/with-cover_D9.2.pdf
- Eberl, J.-M., Galyga, S., Lind, F., Heidenreich, T., Edie, R., Boomgaarden, H. G., Herrero, B, Gómez Montero, E. L., & Berganza, R. (2019). European media migration report: How media cover migration and intra-EU mobility in terms of salience, sentiment and framing. Report. Retrieved December 20, 2020, from https://www.reminder-project.eu/ wp-content/uploads/2019/08/REMINDER-D8.3.pdf
- Horsti, K. (2008). Europeanisation of public debate. Javnost – The Public, 15(4), 41-53. https://doi.org/10.1080 /13183222.2008.11008981
- Balabanova, E., & Balch, A. (2010). Sending and receiving: The ethical framing of intra-EU migration in the Euro- pean press. European Journal of Communication, 25(4), 382-397. https://doi.org/10.1177/0267323110381005
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