THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MIGRATION DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES: Case of Indonesian Student in University of Groningen

Abstract

Objective: This research aims to explain the impact of social media on the migration decisionmaking process of Indonesian student migrants in University of Groningen who used a social media account. In detail, this research will consider the role of social media in the migration decision-making process of students who emigrated from Indonesia and how they uses social media in the context of the migration decision-making process. Methods: The data collected included qualitative data from in-depth interviews and supported by study literatures. An interview guide was formulated to facilitate the indepth interviews and generate a better understanding of migration behavior. Expectation: Social media help Indonesian student migrants on migration decision making process and they use social media for searching information about destination area. Result: Student migrant in University of Groningen use their social media to gain information before they choose that university for study. They use Facebook to making contact with their friends and collagues in the destination country. Student group on Facebook help Indonesian student to get information about school and daily life.

Media influence on migration expectations: Experiences of Sub-Saharan Black African students

“…Despite having a mixed bag of how Africans are portrayed in Western media, Africans continue to make long journeys to the West. In a study carried out by Hidayati (2017), he reported that migrant international students base their decisions to migrate on "on benefit evaluation according to the cost and benefits of migrations. The cost may include to separate with parents and family, and also the problems in settling in new place and new society," (Hidayati, 2017, p. 522).…”

“…The cost may include to separate with parents and family, and also the problems in settling in new place and new society," (Hidayati, 2017, p. 522). Hidayati (2017) reported that disparities in "demographic, social and economic circumstances " (p. 515) are compelling motivations for why people migrate. The migration network theory coined by Lee (1966) assumes that migrants who have contacts in their target nation are more likely to move to that nation, speaking to the social aspect of why migrants choose their destinations.…”

“…Migrants are overloaded with televised messages from their tender ages --particularly media content illustrating America as the most powerful nation on earth (Gray, 2014). They verify the existence of these things via media channels to minimize the risks and costs that come with migration before they decide to move (Cairncross, 1997;Hidayati, 2017).…”

“…To achieve this, the migrants turn to interactive media channels like social media. Hidayati (2017) cities that improvements in communication technology have led to great prospects for individuals to migrate. Advancement in technology has seen the birth of new media which is interactive (Jensen, 1998) and has fostered connections of migrants with the host nations (Hidayati, 2017).…”

“…Haythornthwaite (2002) reports that social media has an attractive characteristic to connect persons who are not strongly tied together due to distance or relationship. Related to the attractive traits, social media has also eased communication and enhanced interactivity in this cyber worldincluding the potential to bring migrants closer together (Hidayati, 2017).…”