Social media use in migration research

Communication and information are an essential component of people’s lives. For migrants, the need to communicate and access information is essential to successfully complete their journeys, keep connected with family and friends back home, make new connections in their host country and access the right information to ease the transition into the host country.

On November 10, CERC Migration hosted a webinar to explore social media in migration research. Our panelists addressed questions, such as:

• How is social media being used by migrants before, during and after a migration event?
• What are the opportunities for government agencies to use social media as a tool for communication and information, targeting migrants?
• What are the ethical implications of using social media in the name of governance to monitor a vulnerable group such as refugees?

Presentations

Introduction by panel chair, Stein Monteiro (opens in new window) , Research Fellow, CERC Migration, Ryerson University

Social media and the transformation of migrant networks, Koen Leurs (external link) , Assistant Professor in Gender and Postcolonial Studies, Utrecht University

Governance of online media platforms and migrants that use these services, Earvin Charles Cabalquinto (external link, opens in new window) , Lecturer in Communication, Deakin University

Social network analysis in evidence-based decision making, Priya Kumar (external link, opens in new window) , Research Fellow, CERC Migration, Ryerson University

Utilizing social media in Canadian public administration, Maria Gintova (opens in new window) , Lecturer in Policy Studies, Ryerson University