The smartphone as a lifeline: an exploration of refugees’ use of mobile communication technologies during their flight

Abstract

Building on the results of a qualitative study with 16 male refugees (mostly from Syria) settled in the Netherlands, this article reports on an investigation that applied insights from the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) framework and refugee studies to examine the media use of refugees and to link these to the material, social and psychological needs emerging from the journey. With a focus on the smartphone, our study distinguished four significant clusters of media U&G among the sampling population: smartphone as companion, an organisational hub, a lifeline and diversion. First, the use of smartphones was linked to refugees’ need to contact family, friends and connect with migrant communities. The importance of establishing contact with other refugees and smugglers through smartphones reinforces the agency of these migration networks within mobility processes. The findings also point to refugees’ smartphone usage for getting a sense of security. Finally, this study demonstrated the use of smartphones for preserving memories of the journey through the storage of pictures taken of important moments experienced during the flight. Additional studies should include other methodologies and samples to further validate our theoretical framework and findings.

With a Little Help from My Friends: Peer Coaching for Refugee Adolescents and the Role of Social Media

“…Besides, the changes due to the Peer2Peer project we analysed the influence mobile communication has on different aspects of well-being. The idea was based on studies that highlight the importance of mobile use for refugees in general (Alencar, Kondova, & Ribbens, 2018) and especially on social inclusion (Díaz Andrade & Doolin, 2017) as well as on the argument that social media can be used as "adult-free" zone (Jansz et al, 2015). We found that Snapchat could explain emotional and affectionate support-but only for the Peer2Peer project group-which is in line with our assumptions (H6).…”

Mobile communication and refugees: An analytical review of academic literature

“…In Zijlstra and Van Liempt's (2017) trajectory ethnographic study, it was found that information obtained through mobile mapping applications can increase the mobility of Afghan, Iranian, and Syrian refugees, as they use GPS and other technology to cross borders while relying less on the assistance of smugglers. Interviews with Syrians revealed that they had great dependence on these applications during their flight to Europe, with many refugees referring to these tools as “my best friend” or “the most essential” ones to have on your phone (Alencar, Kondova, & Ribbens, 2018).…”

“…Therefore, the location‐based affordances of the smartphone emerged as vital for refugees to progress in their journey, or in the case of an emergency situation. In the studies of Alencar et al (2018) and Zijlstra and Van Liempt (2017), for instance, refugees highlight the importance of mobile applications to check their location and to orient themselves toward their next destinations, whereas in Gillespie et al's (2018), the communicative affordances of phones assist refugees in ensuring their safety and survival through the guidance of coastguards during the perilous sea‐crossing between Izmir (Turkey) and Greece. In certain moments, however, they need to negotiate online (in)visibility depending on the borders and actors expected to be encountered.…”

“…Despite the importance of online networks and the wide range of resources they offer to refugees, studies highlight problems regarding the lack of credible information emerging from social media ties, as refugees on the move experience a condition of “information precarity” (Wall et al, 2017). For instance, there have been several accounts of refugees being subject to online fraud like one Syrian informant in Alencar et al's (2018, p. 838) study who reported being stolen 3,000 dollars by a fake “Lebanon embassy” contact on Facebook who falsely promised to help him obtain a European visa. Mouaz, an Iraqi informant, said: “I don't trust any news or information people tell me.…”

“…Fragile and unpredictable mobile access and connectivity do not prevent refugees from keeping their families and friends updated about their journeys. Maintenance of links to their loved ones is also made possible through the “mobile polymedia affordances” of calling and texting (Gillespie et al, 2016; Kutscher & Kreß, 2018), with many refugees reporting as essential for financing their journey while providing emotional support (Alencar et al, 2018). In some cases, however, Syrians preferred to avoid contacting home until they reached their final destination.…”