NexSM – Social Media for Migration and Society

Analysis, discourse, learning and networking 

Background 

In recent years, migrant (self-)organisations (MSOs) have increasingly become sought-after and recognized entities in social discourse, advancing the participation of their members and, through their diversity, constructively shaping the development of society in Germany. 

Based on the premise that the effects of digitisation are crucial for the participation of people with migrant backgrounds, new forms of migrant communities have formed within and with the help of social media. 

Initiated and managed by members of the communities themselves, broad networks and digital resonance spaces have emerged on social media in the form of Facebook groups, YouTube channels, WhatsApp group chats, forums, etc. in the native languages of the members and followers. The new MSOs are not only helping to shape diverse interactions with the countries of origin, but also with migrant communities in other countries. 

Concurrently, the so called „conventional“ MSOs are attempting to situate themselves within social media but are facing major challenges in this field. 

So far, there are still too few points of contact and opportunities for exchange between the rapid developments in the field of societal digitization on the one hand and the structures and entities of migrant communities on the other. 

Goals, audience & methods 

The project NexSM aims to build an exchange and education platform to counteract the new digital gaps and to strengthen the participation of migrant (self-)organisations with scientific and social discourse, so that they can further develop their bridging character to support those with migrant backgrounds in social media. 

To promote networking and discourse, NexSM will immediately incorporate analysis results on the integration-relevant effects of digitization into specialist events, educational programs, and publications. NexSM will facilitate exchange and networking not only at the national level, but also with stakeholders at the European level. 

The project NexSM is funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung and realized in cooperation with Minor – Projektkontor für Bildung und Forschung.