The use of social media among migrants is widespread, research by The People for Change Foundation has found.

The research found that Facebook was by far the most popular social media platform while the use of other platforms tended to be limited to specific audiences.

The report, based on a survey of 169 migrants living in Malta, highlighted the potential of social media as a means of outreach and engagement with migrant communities.

The report provides insight into different migrants’ use of social media across communication, information-seeking, and content sharing and creation.

Participants used social media mainly to connect with family and friends and to seek entertainment. However, a large majority expressed an interest in receiving more information on migrant rights and regulations via these channels

There were noticeable demographic differences between migrants who used social media to receive information and those who pioneered content creation and group management.

Christine Cassar, director of the People for Change Foundation, said the organisation wanted to explore how different groups of migrants used social media, as well as how NGOs, the government and others could best engage with migrant communities in Malta to raise awareness on rights and promote integration.

The research confirmed that social media held excellent potential in this regard and was a cost effective way to engage, and one that had significant reach.  

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