Smart Refugees And The Role Of Technology In Their Integration Into Host Communities
Smart Refugees And The Role Of Technology In Their Integration Into Host Communities

Summary/Abstract: Digitalization has become an integral part of human life fueled by both the pandemic and the rapid advancement of technology in recent years. It has brought new opportunities to address various societal challenges we face, including the integration of refugees into host communities. Digital solutions can facilitate the use of tools that can ease the work of organizations and institutions dealing with the adaptation and integration of refugees, however, it also has its own vulnerabilities that require new adaptation measures. This article presents a qualitative study with refugees from Ukraine, settled in the Rădăuți city, to investigate the uses and purposes of social networks, associated with different areas of refugee integration in our country. The results indicate that social networking sites were particularly relevant for refugee participants in acquiring language and cultural skills, as well as maintaining connection with family and building new ties with the host community. The article concludes that digital technology, in particular smartphones, are increasingly considered a useful resource in programs that provide settlement services or promote participation in social life and hold untapped potential for integration processes.

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