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In search of a Rohingya digital diaspora: virtual togetherness, collective identities and political mobilisation

Social Work

In search of a Rohingya digital diaspora: virtual togetherness, collective identities and political mobilisation

A. Ansar and A. F. M. Khaled

This study, conducted by Anas Ansar and Abu Faisal Md. Khaled, explores the powerful impact of social media on diaspora activism among exiled Rohingyas. By examining digital platforms, it uncovers how these spaces create a sense of community, challenge identities, and empower civic activism against Myanmar's government. Dive into the digital resistance journey of the Rohingya people!

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Playback language: English
Introduction
The Rohingya people, frequently labeled the world's most persecuted minority, have experienced systematic violence and oppression in Myanmar since the 1970s. Millions are now in exile, fleeing human rights violations and persecution. This paper focuses on the emergence of a "Rohingya Digital Diaspora," exploring how social media platforms have become crucial spaces for building transnational identity, mobilizing resistance, and providing mutual support. The study investigates how the Rohingya diaspora leverages digital platforms to construct and negotiate their collective identity in the face of statelessness and restricted mobility. The authors argue that the Rohingya's online activism is transformative, reinvigorating their collective identity, mobilizing civic resistance, and creating a virtual "community of hope."
Literature Review
The paper reviews existing scholarship on Rohingya identity, highlighting the debate surrounding their historical presence in Myanmar and the impact of the 1982 citizenship law, which excluded them from the official list of indigenous races. It examines existing literature on diaspora studies and the evolving role of digital technologies in shaping diaspora identities and activism. The authors note the limited existing research specifically addressing the digital engagement of Rohingya refugees, highlighting previous works that partially address Rohingya digital activism, including the role of social media in expanding the civic participation of Rohingya women and its function as a form of "digitally mediated transnational care."
Methodology
This study employed digital ethnography to observe Rohingya activities in virtual spaces. Data were collected from Facebook and Twitter, focusing on the top ten accounts based on followers, posting frequency, and comments. Data analysis used MaxQDA software to categorize thematic content, word frequency, hashtags, and recurring themes. The researchers acknowledge limitations, including bias in data selection and analysis, inherent restrictions of online communities to digital "haves", and the persistence of ethnic/gender digital divides. Ethical considerations, informed consent, and data anonymization strategies are discussed. The study covers the period from August 2019 to August 2021, predominantly analyzing content in English due to the limitations of readily available data in the Rohingya language.
Key Findings
The study reveals a significant increase in Rohingya engagement on digital platforms since 2017, driven by increased global attention to the crisis, improved digital connectivity, and mobility constraints. Facebook usage demonstrates an intra-community approach, focusing on emotional support, shared grievances, and everyday survival. Twitter activity exhibits a more policy-oriented approach, targeting international audiences and activists. Three major themes emerged from online interactions: (1) Construction and assertion of distinct Rohingya identity—Rohingyas actively contest official narratives, reclaiming their history and asserting their right to return to Myanmar. This includes the use of spatial nostalgia, historical evidence, and symbolic markers to build a collective identity, even while embracing multiple belongings. (2) Political and social mobilization—organized online campaigns, use of hashtags, dissemination of information about human rights abuses and ongoing events (e.g., Gambia v. Myanmar at the ICJ), and online conferences demonstrate a concerted effort to raise global awareness and influence international opinion. The increasing participation of women and youth in this mobilization is highlighted. (3) The internet as an information and service-providing platform—social media serves as a vital source of information on various services, emergency assistance, and fundraising efforts. It also facilitates distance learning, especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the role of online platforms in providing emotional support, creating a "community of comfort," and facilitating transnational solidarity.
Discussion
The findings demonstrate the transformative power of digital spaces for Rohingya in exile. The ability to construct and assert a distinct Rohingya identity online counters official narratives and strengthens their collective identity. The coordinated online activism influences global perception and facilitates transnational advocacy and agenda-setting. The digital space also addresses critical needs for information, support, and educational opportunities, mitigating the challenges of displacement and restricted mobility. This research contributes to digital diaspora studies by illustrating how technology facilitates identity formation, political mobilization, and the building of virtual communities among a marginalized group facing significant offline constraints.
Conclusion
This study reveals the significant role of social media in shaping the Rohingya diaspora's identity, activism, and resilience. Digital platforms have become vital spaces for fostering community, mobilizing political action, and providing crucial support services. The study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the digital divide and the diverse experiences of Rohingya across different geographical contexts. Future research should incorporate both online and offline methodologies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Rohingya life in exile.
Limitations
The study acknowledges limitations, including the reliance on publicly available data, potential biases in data selection and analysis, and the restricted access to digital technologies among certain segments of the Rohingya population. The focus on English-language content might have excluded significant engagement in other languages. The study also recognizes the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of online platforms and their content.
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