Refugee Journalist Phenomenon as a Consequence of Migration and Refugee Crises: The Role of Social Media in Transferring Refugees’ Role from “Has Been Affected” to “Has Affected”

Abstract

This study examines the impact of using social media by Syrian refugees, focusing on the shift from receiving messages to sharing content and news related to the Syrian crisis. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the findings indicate that social media has become a more accessible and affordable medium of communication for Syrian refugees, both during and after seeking refuge. The study highlights the transformation of Syrian citizens from citizens who are not allowed to use the internet and social media to "refugee journalists" by being affected by social media. Social media use among Syrian activists or Syrian refugee journalists has contributed to the emergence of the "refugee journalist" phenomenon, which helps convey opinions, voices, and suffering to the world. However, the findings also highlight the negative effects of the "refugee journalist" phenomenon on Syrian refugees, citizens, and activists. The findings also indicate the potential moral violations and lack of integrity and reliability standards in the publishing of activists' stories, leading to distortion of facts and misleading audiences.