Precarious Migrants in a Sharing Economy| Data Literacy as an Emerging Challenge in the Migration/Refugee Context: A Critical Exploration of Communication Efforts Around “Refugee Apps”

Authors

  • Dennis Nguyen Utrecht University
  • Sergül Nguyen Erasmus University Rotterdam

Keywords:

data literacy, data practices, communication, apps, refugees

Abstract

Digital media serve manifold purposes connected to communication, transition, resource allocation, and integration in the context of forced migration. Many apps and platforms rely on user data. Organizations do not always clearly communicate what data are collected for which purposes. Policies on data and privacy should convey this information, but they rarely increase clarity and transparency. This can create vulnerabilities for users and raises questions about data literacy: How much do they understand about data practices and how can organizations inform them better? This qualitative study explores 10 digital services (apps-based and web-based) with the walkthrough method in combination with a content analysis of data policies. It charts communication efforts about data practices and consequences for privacy. The findings imply that many organizations fail to address these issues efficiently. They need to critically revise their communication strategies to create transparency and build data literacy among users.

Author Biographies

Dennis Nguyen, Utrecht University

Dennis Nguyen received his PhD in media and communications from the University of Hull, UK. His thesis discusses online public spheres and political communication, with emphasis placed on transnational political discourses. Since 2015, he works as a senior lecturer, researcher, and graduation coordinator for the Creative Business programme (Bachelor's programme, formerly International Communication and Media) and the Data-Driven Design programme at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. His current research focuses on the impact of digital media and datafication on public discourses and data ecologies.

Sergül Nguyen, Erasmus University Rotterdam

Sergül Nguyen is a Lecturer in Organizational and Corporate Communication at Erasmus University Rotterdam and a PhD Candidate in Media and Communications at Galatasaray University, Turkey. Her PhD research focuses on the limits of cosmopolitanism and the BBC’s framing of the Syrian refugee crisis. She has experiences as an educator, researcher and practitioner in the fields of journalism and communication.

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Published

2022-11-21

Issue

Vol. 16 (2022)

Section

Special Sections

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