Social Media Dependency and Socio-Cultural Integration: Case of Internally Displaced Persons in Pakistan
Abstract
This empirical study explores the relationship between dependency on social media and socio-cultural integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) belonging to the tribal region of Pakistan. The study used a quantitative research method for collecting the data from a sample of 722 IDPs. The data was analyzed through hierarchical regression techniques. The findings of this study revealed that the dependency of IDPs on social media increases their inward and outward socio-cultural integration. Resultantly, dependency on social media leads IDPs towards hybrid identity, where their socio-cultural links with the home society as well as with the host community become stronger. People and organizations working for IDPs can use social media to solve their problems and help them in integration
Authors
Muhammad Imran Khan
Ph. D Scholar, Institute of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Noshina Saleem
Director, Institute of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Keywords
Migration, Social Media Dependency, Socio-Cultural Integration, Tribal IDPs