Study on the use of social media by migrants published

The WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt is pleased to draw your attention to a new publication from our ranks. Entitled "Use of social media by migrants", the study takes a practical and scientifically sound look at how people with a history of migration use digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook to inform, orient and support each other in a self-organized manner outside of official structures.

Based on a literature review and qualitative group interviews with immigrants from Saxony-Anhalt, the paper provides insights into the digital realities of their lives. It becomes clear that for many, social media are a central access point to information on arrival, work, education, health and residence - especially when institutional services are inadequate or difficult to access.

The study poses important questions for the counseling of the future: How can counseling skills be further developed to better interact with the target groups' everyday digital practices? What opportunities do formats such as messenger counseling or digital streetwork offer - especially when dealing with vulnerable groups such as refugees?

The paper provides well-founded findings and concrete recommendations for action for professionals in counselling, education and integration and thus offers a valuable impulse for the professionalization of migration-sensitive, digitally supported counselling work.

Click here for the publication.

We have summarized the key findings for you in the handout "Digital media use by migrants - recommendations for action for counselling work".