SOCIAL MEDIA
Smartphones, the internet, and social media are becoming key tools used by migrants to inform themselves about migration and stay connected during their journeys. This is both a benefit, when used well, and poses a great danger, because there is so much misinformation online.
Human traffickers and smugglers use the fact that people are on social media to target and spread misinformation. Learning about how smugglers work and being aware of how they post fake information online can improve people’s chances of staying safe.
- Migrants are subject to lies from smugglers and human traffickers.
- Social media is a tool for smugglers to contact migrants.
- People on social media spread false information on migration, either accidentally, because they think it is true, or intentionally, in order to mislead others.
- Often the diasporas and others on social media spread lies about Europe and other destinations seen as greener pastures. Diaspora members don’t want to admit how hard it is, they want to seem successful. So even if it is a person you know, beware. The content is probably not accurate.
But social media can also help!
- We can talk back to propaganda, hate speech, and misinformation on social media concerning irregular migration and human smuggling.
- The online world can also be a source of accurate information, like what #MMN is doing to spread facts and point you towards resources.
- Social media can help people connect to organizations like #MMN and have open, honest conversations about migration.
“Accurate information can be a life-saving resource during a humanitarian crisis.”
William Spindler, Spokesman, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR
#MMN_social media addresses when online:
