The Digital Border: Migration, Technology, Power

Digital technologies shape the experiences and meanings of migration by managing the flow of people at crossing-points, controlling the public narratives of migration as a "crisis," and allowing migrants to speak back and make themselves heard. This is a story of exclusion, marginalization, and violence, but also of care, conviviality, and solidarity. The digital border is both digital and pre-digital, datafied and embodied, automated and self-reflexive, undercut by competing emotions, desires, and judgments, and traversed by fluid and fragile social relationships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

The experiences and meanings of migration are profoundly shaped by the ever-evolving landscape of digital technologies. As the global population continues to grapple with the challenges of war, poverty, and environmental degradation, governments are increasingly relying on digital tools to manage the flow of people at border crossing points. This includes the use of big data, artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and institutional journalism to control not only the physical movement of individuals but also the narratives and images surrounding human mobility.

The role of digital technologies in shaping migration today is multifaceted. On the one hand, they facilitate communication and connectivity between migrants, allowing them to share information, resources, and support networks. Social media platforms, in particular, have become powerful tools for migrants to raise awareness about their rights, advocate for their causes, and connect with broader audiences.

However, digital technologies also play a significant role in controlling the flow of people at the border. Surveillance cameras, biometric identification systems, and advanced border control technologies are used to monitor and manage migration flows, often leading to increased border enforcement and detention practices. These technologies can create a sense of fear and insecurity among migrants, making it difficult for them to seek legal and safe pathways to their destinations.

Furthermore, digital technologies shape the public narratives of migration as a "crisis." Media outlets, government agencies, and social media platforms often portray migration as a threat to national security, economic stability, and cultural values. This narrative can lead to increased discrimination and hostility towards migrants, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion and marginalization.

Migrants themselves are also using digital technologies to speak back and make themselves heard in the face of hardship and hostility. Social media platforms, blogs, and podcasts have become powerful tools for migrants to share their experiences, raise awareness about their rights, and advocate for change. Migrants are using these platforms to challenge stereotypes, demand justice, and build solidarity among their communities.

In conclusion, digital technologies have a profound impact on the experiences and meanings of migration. While they offer opportunities for connectivity and empowerment, they also contribute to the control and marginalization of migrants. It is essential to approach the study of digital technologies and migration with a critical eye, recognizing the ways in which they shape power dynamics, perpetuate discrimination, and limit the rights and freedoms of migrants. By understanding the role of digital technologies in shaping migration, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable societies that respect the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their migration status.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479844319