Virtual Communities of Anglo and Spanish Migrants in Chile. A Multiple Case Study

Abstract

This article characterizes and analyzes the development and construction of virtual communities of Anglo and Spanish migrants living in Chile. We selected some of the most popular and active sites among them and analyzed hem using virtual ethnography methods and discourse analysis in its textual and contextual dimension, as well engaging with the discourses of its creators. The socialization process that occurs in these communities is oriented towards sharing experiences and accomplishing objectives in common among the members, like meeting other migrants and locals, learning a language and obtaining useful information about the country of current or future residence, among others. The bloggers and web admins interviewed build transnational social spaces through their use of new digital media. We found a clear connection between the communities analyzed and the political, economic and social reality of the nation-states—of origin and destination—in which they are rooted.