Internet and social media uses, digital divides, and digitally mediated transnationalism in forced migration: Syrians in Turkey

Abstract

This article studied Internet and social media uses, digital divides (access, use, and impact of the Internet and social media), and digitally mediated transnationalism in forced migration with the case of Syrians in Turkey. The mixed method analysis is based on surveys with 762 respondents, 52 interviews, and participant observations among Syrians in Gaziantep, Istanbul, and Izmir provinces in Turkey. Digitally mediated transnationalism became the everyday strategy, practice, and resilience of Syrians in Turkey. The first- and second-level digital divides, that is, the differences in their access to and use of the Internet and social media diminished while many third-level digital divides (impacts) remained. Syrians in Turkey used information and communication technologies, the Internet and social media for accessing basic needs and services, to enhance their challenging psycho-social well-being, to maintain transnational bonding and bridging connections to Syria, the European Union and elsewhere, and some also to implement their mobility plans.