Migrants and Communication Technologies in Challenging Times; A Double-edged Sword

Abstract

The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected every aspect of social life worldwide, from individuals to societies at local and global levels. Vulnerable groups are generally the most affected in societies during crises or outbreaks. Migrants are prominent among these groups. In the last ten years, millions of people have been forced to leave their countries due to numerous crises. Also, there have been a significant number of people who have decided to migrate because of economic, educational, and family issues. Turkey has not been left out of this sociological process. Turkey is among the countries most affected by the phenomenon of migration, especially with forced migration in recent years. Turkey, which is the meeting point of the continents as a geographical location and is on the migration route for many immigrants, is home to millions of immigrants and asylum seekers in recent years. The purpose of this study is to examine the social and psychological effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on migrants in Turkey. A literature review and situation analysis method will be used in this study to understand the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on migrants and asylum seekers. The study will mainly examine the impact of mobile phone and internet dependency on the daily life habits of migrants during the pandemic period, with a particular focus on educational challenges, digital divides, loneliness, alienation, and other psycho-social factors impacting migrants.