Social networking and subjective well-being among Sri Lankan youth immigrants in South Korea

Abstract

Labor migration is often seen as a means to offer economic stability to prospective migrants, especially in developing countries. However, the desire for migration becomes less favorable in the absence of the supportive framework fostered by social networks among immigrants. Sri Lankan youth from rural areas who frequently experience financial hardships are being encouraged to migrate to South Korea. This article investigates how social networking influences the subjective well-being of those Sri Lankan labor immigrants in South Korea. In-depth interviews, case studies, and the retrieval of social media data were used to collect data. According to the analysis, the capacity for social networking influences the outcomes of migration. In addition, migration to South Korea has been promoted not as an alternative to existing financial stability solutions, but as a mainstream strategy for enhancing life satisfaction, particularly for young rural men in Sri Lanka. In addition, it is discovered that the host country must provide an environment conducive to the operation of migrant networks. Overall, the article demonstrates that having access to migrant networks is a fundamental element in ensuring the well-being of immigrants.

Challenges in navigating the education-migration pathways, and subjective well-being of highly educated immigrants: the case of Indian student immigrants in the United Kingdom

“…Even though previous research has identified acculturative distress ( Hendriks, 2015 ; Kóczán, 2016 ), the present study reveals that acculturative distress is linked to both existing and potential future uncertainties in immigrants’ lives. Social networks are a vital ingredient for immigrants’ happiness ( Amit and Riss, 2014 ; Udayanga et al, 2023 ); however, participants in the study acknowledged that access to existing social networks is challenging, resulting in inadequate support from these networks. While they have access to certain social networks, such as student and Indian community groups, their ability to facilitate integration for immigrants in the United Kingdom context is relatively limited.…”

“…The culture of their home country is one of the main determinants that plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences of immigrants, and it is closely associated with their subjective well-being. Despite the limited studies examining the impact of home country culture on immigrants, some research suggests that immigrants often maintain their home country culture even after assimilating into the host society ( Contini and Carrera, 2022 ; Udayanga et al, 2023 ). Therefore, culturally formulated goals and perceptions of happiness can sometimes contradict with the cultural norms of the host society ( Contini and Carrera, 2022 ; Andersson and Øverlien, 2023 ).…”