Digital Migration of Culture: Cultural Resistance in the Digital World
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63556/ankad.v9i4.302Keywords:
migration, digital migration, cultureAbstract
This study aims to understand the processes by which foreign individuals adapt to their destination and, consequently, to a new culture, and the impact of digital communication tools on experiencing their own culture. It is inevitable that migrants are influenced by the social and cultural characteristics of their destination. However, this process is shaped not only by adaptation but also by an effort to preserve their identity. The digital world, or virtual world, and related applications are argued to bring different cultures together and/or foster intercultural interaction. On the other hand, individuals subjected to migration carry with them their own culture, social capital, and social capital, thanks to the services offered by the digital world, and can prevent cultural change. Based on this information, the study group for this phenomenologically based research consisted of 15 foreign nationals/trainees receiving training at the Public Education Center in Tuzla, Istanbul, during the 2023-2024 academic year. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants, and key points and opinions were identified from the data obtained and a coding scheme was created. The most striking findings from my study include that individuals maintaining their culture through digital media reduce feelings of social isolation and support their psychological well-being, while factors such as language barriers and cultural differences hinder individuals' adaptation to a new society. Finally, the methodological process regarding digital migration and culture was approached using a phenomenological approach for theoretical construction, and an argument was developed using sociological approaches.
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