Navigating Transnational Challenges: The Influence of Social Media on Indonesian Student Migrants in Sweden During the COVID-19 Era

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25077/jantro.v26.n1.p93-102.2024

Keywords:

Student migrant, migration, COVID-19, social media, Indonesian abroad

Abstract

This study examines how social media has impacted the decision-making process of Indonesian students in Sweden who are considering migration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the unique circumstances of the pandemic, health and safety have become critical factors in the decision-making processThe research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods, which were highly effective in gathering data. A survey was conducted with 33 participants, who were selected using accidental sampling. In addition, open interviews were conducted with 10 participants from different countries, which provided valuable insights into the subject matter. Data was collected through online questionnaires and interviews across multiple social media platforms. Although there were some potential limitations in data quality and participant engagement, the methods utilized in this study were highly effective and produced reliable results. The study found that social media was vital in helping Indonesian students make informed migration decisions and obtain information about the pandemic. In particular, social media facilitates knowledge sharing and communication with friends and colleagues. However, the pandemic created temporary obstacles for migrants considering returning to Indonesia due to safety and health concerns.

References

Awasthi, M. (2020). COVID-19: Unexpected Shocks for Migrant Workers and Students. Journal of Development Policy Review, 1(1), 159-166.
Bijwaard, G. E., & Wang, Q. (2016). Return migration of foreign students. European Journal of Population, 32(1), 31-54.
Bilecen, B. (2020). Commentary: COVID19 pandemic and higher education: International mobility and students’ social protection. International Migration, 58(4), 263-266.
Brooks, R., & Waters, J. (2010). Social networks and educational mobility: the experiences of UK students. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 8(1), 143-157.
Burch, T. K. (1980). Decision-making theories in demography: an introduction.
Becker, G. S., & Murphy, K. M. (1988). A theory of rational addiction. Journal of Political Economy, 96(4), 675-700.
Chakraborty, I., & Maity, P. (2020). COVID-19 outbreak: Migration, effects on society, global environment and prevention. Science of The Total Environment, 728(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138882
Chiang, Y. L., Hannum, E., & Kao, G. (2015). It’s not just about the money: Gender and youth migration from rural China. Chinese Sociological Review, 47(2), 177-201.
Choudaha, R. (2020). Addressing the Affordability Crisis for International Students. Journal of International Students, 10(2), iii-v.Crivello, G. (2011). ‘Becoming somebody’: Youth transitions through education and migration in Peru. Journal of Youth Studies, 14(4), 395-411.
de Wit, H., & Altbach, P. G. (2020). Internationalization in higher education: global trends and recommendations for its future. Policy Reviews in Higher Education, 1-19.
Dekker, R., & Engbersen, G. (2012). How social media transforms migrant networks and facilitates migration. Retrieved from https://www.godfriedengbersen.com/wpcontent/uploads/Working-Paper-IMI-Dekker-Engbersen.pdf.
Eacott, C., & Sonn, C. C. (2006). Beyond education and employment: Exploring youth experiences of their communities, place attachment and reasons for migration. Rural Society, 16(2), 199-214.
Easthope, H., & Gabriel, M. (2008). Turbulent lives: Exploring the cultural meaning of regional youth migration. Geographical Research, 46(2), 172-182.
Elder, G. H., King, V. E., & Conger, R. D. (1996). Attachment to place and migration prospects: A developmental perspective. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 6(4), 397-425.
Elster, J. (2015). Explaining social behavior: More nuts and bolts for the social sciences. Cambridge University Press.
Findlay, A. M. (2006). Challenges arising from the UK's policy on attracting global talent. Competing for Global Talent, 65.
Findlay, A. M., King, R., Smith, F. M., Geddes, A., & Skeldon, R. (2012). World class? An investigation of globalisation, difference and international student mobility. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 37(1), 118-131.
Firang, D. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on international students in Canada. International Social Work, 63(6), 820-82.
Goldthorpe, J. E. (1996). The sociology of post-colonial societies: Economic disparity, cultural diversity and development. Cambridge University Press.
Hidayati, I. (2017). The role of social media on migration decision-making processes: Case of Indonesian student in University of Groningen. Jurnal Studi Pemuda, 6(1), 515-526. https://doi.org/10.22146/studipemudaugm.38010
Hidayati, I. (2020). COVID-19 dan Penundaan Kepulangan Migran Pelajar Indonesia di Luar Negeri. Jurnal Kependudukan Indonesia, 15-20. https://doi.org/10.14203/jki.v0i0.548
Huang, R., Liu, D., Tlili, A., Knyazeva, S., Chang, T. W., Zhang, X., & Holotescu, C. (2020). Guidance on open educational practices during school closures: Utilizing OER under COVID-19 pandemic in line with UNESCO OER recommendation. Beijing: Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University.
Kaplan, A.M. & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social media. Business Horizons, 53(1), 59-68.
Lee, E.S. (1966). A Theory of Migration. Journal Demography, 3(1), 47-57.
Magnan, M. O., Gauthier, M., & Côté, S. (2007). Youth migration in Quebec: Survey results obtained from Anglophones 20 to 34 years of age.
Malamassam, M. A. (2016). Youth Migration in Indonesia: Decision to Move and to Choose Destination Areas. The Indonesian Journal of Geography, 48(1), 62.
Marginson, S. (2020). The relentless price of high individualism in the pandemic. Higher Education Research & Development, 39(7), 1392-1395.
McGill, J. (2013). International student migration: Outcomes and implications.
McGrew, A. G., & Wilson, M. J. (Eds.). (1982). Decision making: approaches and analysis: a reader. Manchester University Press.
Mok, K. H., Xiong, W., Ke, G., & Cheung, J. O. W. (2021). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on international higher education and student mobility: Student perspectives from mainland China and Hong Kong. International Journal of Educational Research, 105, 101718.
Pigaiani, Y., Zoccante, L., Zocca, A., Arzenton, A., Menegolli, M., Fadel, S., & Colizzi, M. (2020, December). Adolescent lifestyle behaviors, coping strategies and subjective wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online student survey. Healthcare, 8(4), 472.
Ranjan, R., & Bisht, M. (2020). Novel Coronavirus and Indian Overseas Labour Migrants: Updates from Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. Roots and Routes, 9(1-4).
Regehr, H. M. (2011). Movement rates and distances of wintering Harlequin Ducks: implications for population structure. Waterbirds, 34(1), 19-31.
Sirkeci, I., & Yucesahin, M. M. (2020). Coronavirus and Migration: Analysis of Human Mobility and the Spread of Covid-19. Migration Letters, 17(2), 379-398. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=846629
Todaro, M. P. (1978). International Migration in Developing Countries. A Review of Theory, Evidence, Methodology and Research Priorities. VRÜ Verfassung und Recht in Übersee, 11(3), 384-38.
Statistic Indonesia (BPS). (2001). Penduduk Indonesia Hasil Sensus Penduduk 2000. Seri : L.2.2. Jakarat : BPS
van Dalen, H. P., & Henkens, K. (2013). Explaining emigration intentions and behaviour in the Netherlands, 2005–2010. Population Studies, 67(2), 225–241.
Whiting, A., & Williams, D. (2013). Why people use social media: a uses and gratifications approach. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal.
World Health Organization [WHO]. (2020). WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard. WHO. https://covid19.who.int/
World Health Organization [WHO]. (2021). WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Dashboard. WHO. https://covid19.who.int/
Yezer, A. M., & Thurston, L. (1976). Migration patterns and income change: implications for the human capital approach to migration. Southern Economic Journal, 693-702.
Zorlu, A., & Kooiman, N. (2019). Spatial trajectories in early life: Moving on or returning home?. Population, Space and Place, 25(7), e2268.

Downloads

Published

2024-06-14

How to Cite

Hidayati, I. (2024). Navigating Transnational Challenges: The Influence of Social Media on Indonesian Student Migrants in Sweden During the COVID-19 Era. Jurnal Antropologi: Isu-Isu Sosial Budaya, 26(1), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.25077/jantro.v26.n1.p93-102.2024

Issue

Section

Articles