How does social media shape the migration experience of students far from home? What role do platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram play in building identity, community, and survival strategies abroad?
This thesis explores these questions through the eyes of Pakistani students living and studying in Germany — a growing yet under-researched group in both migration and media studies.
In today's digital age, migration is not just physical. It’s emotional, cultural, and increasingly digital. Social media has become a lifeline for international students: a way to stay connected to family, share daily struggles, access critical information, and even build a sense of belonging in unfamiliar societies.
This research presents an empirical case study based on a mixed-methods approach — including both a survey and in-depth interviews with Pakistani students across Germany. Grounded in Media Dependency Theory, the study investigates how social media is used not only for communication, but also for integration, emotional support, and identity negotiation.
What emerges is a powerful picture of how diaspora students use digital platforms strategically: to manage loneliness, navigate bureaucracy, and maintain cultural roots — all while adapting to academic and social life in Germany. Students form digital communities where they share everything from housing tips to recipes to mental health struggles.
The findings show that social media is not a distraction for migrants — it’s a tool of survival, adaptation, and transformation. The thesis also offers insights into the tensions of dual belonging, digital dependency, and the limits of online support systems.
This study is for researchers, students, and practitioners working in migration studies, media and communication, diaspora communities, and international education. It’s also for anyone curious about the everyday lives of migrants in the digital age — and how our phones have quietly become our most trusted migration companion.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT 1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1. Problem statement
1.2. Research Question
1.3. Significance of the study
1.4. Objectives of the Study
1.5. Thesis Organization
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Historical Perspective of Economic Situation in Pakistan and Related Literature
2.2. Students’ Transition from Pakistan to Germany
2.2.1. A Glance at statistics from 2010 to 2022
2.3. Major Social Media Platforms
2.3.1. Facebook
2.3.2. WhatsApp
2.3.3. Twitter
2.3.4. Instagram
2.4. Connection between Social media and Migration
CHAPTER 3: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
3.1. Media Dependency Theory and its Association with Migration
3.1.1. Cognitive
3.1.2. Affective
3.1.3. Behavioral
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4.1. Research Design
4.2. Instrumentation
4.3. Data Collection and Sampling
4.4. Limitations of the Study
4.5. Ethical Consideration
4.6. Survey Results
4.7. Interview Results
CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION
6.1. Recommendations
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Questionnaire
Appendix 2. Interview Questions and Transcript
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
With all my heart, I want to thank my Lord, Jesus Christ, who strengthened me leaving my family and country behind to start and experience a totally diverse new life. In the memory of my (late) grandmother Mrs. Sardar Daisy Ujagar who blessed us always with her constant prayers. I am extremely, to the core of my heart, thankful to my father Mr. Samuel Ujagar, my mother Mrs. Zubaida Samuel, and siblings Ms. Tabeeta Samuel, Mr. Michael Samuel, and Mr. Alvon Samuel for their prayers and constant support and who have been patient throughout this journey. I would also like to take the opportunity to say special thanks to my aunt Ms. Elina Ujagar, without her, I would not have been able to carry out this Master’s journey in Germany. Likewise, all immediate relatives in my Ujagar’s family circle are also subject to special thanks for their constant moral support. You all have the highest place in my heart. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my thesis advisor Prof. Dr. Phil. Karin Schittenhelm, she has always been receptive to my emails. This Master’s thesis has become possible due to her noble feedback and valuable input with guidance. I will always be indebted to my advisor. Distinguished personalities who participated in the survey and interviews are thankfully acknowledged; their participation and responses have made this study possible and valuably interesting.
Anosh Samuel
ABSTRACT
The role of social media in students’ migration has been explored in this study. Further, the researcher aimed to investigate the means of social media channels used by Pakistani students in Germany. Additionally, the study also investigated initial problems faced by students in a new society and how communal groups on social media platforms assist not only students but the community as a whole. The researcher employed a mixed research method and collected data from 500 participants through a Google Form survey as well as in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 students. This study recorded a more than a twofold increase of students coming to Germany with 161.11% compared to 2010 to 2021. The results and findings of the survey and in-depth interviews showed an apparent correlation between students and social media. Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are prevalent and admired channels for students to connect with their family and friends in Pakistan. Moreover, interviews showed students are less prone to trust the information on social media other than in digital media community groups. The internet’s role in the decision-making process of students is significantly noted. The process of information sharing, the arrival of new students to Germany, and assisting them in every possible way through social media has been registered by the researcher. Recommendations for the concerned department and students are articulated based on the results and findings of this study.
Keywords: Social Media; Migration; Historical Economic Situation in Pakistan; Media Dependency Theory; Migrant Networks; Migrant Connections.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
The world has been witnessing a huge spike in immigration since the early 2000s which also accelerated globalization to a larger extent. A report published by the United Nations (2013: 1) elaborates on the statistics on the total number of 77 million immigrants between 1990 and 2013. However, interestingly 50% of the 77 million people migrated just between 2000 and 2010. Does that mean migration was rising everywhere in the world between 1990 and 2000? Apparently not, North America experienced a decline of 1.4 million annual migration. On the contrary, with such a drop rate one million people have been reportedly coming to the USA from Mexico, China, and India as per Pew Research Organization’s report (Budiman, 2020). It also illustrates that Asian immigrants, by race and ethnicity, surpassed citizens of Hispanic origin. Whereas, the United Nations (2013: 11) report revealed a twofold increase in immigrants in Europe from 1 million to 1.9 million between 1990 and 2000.
The process of migration has turned out to be complex because of the diverse backgrounds of a growing number of immigrants. The European citizens with an immigrant background in 1950 were more likely to be countable - which means migrated population in Europe was small - nonetheless, Europe has become and is still now one of the key destinations for migrants across the world since the industrial revolution. For example, Italy, Spain, and France had an influx of immigrants. A considerable number of people reached European Union for better opportunities using different means of transit. In 2015, 0.7 million people sought asylum in Europe (Eurostat, 2016). Before moving further into a discussion first, let’s differentiate between “emigration and immigration.”
“A person who leaves his country to live permanently in another country is an emigrant and this “act” is called “emigration.” Conversely, a person who leaves his country to live in another country is an immigrant and the process by which he went to live in another country is “immigration (Collins dictionary, 2022).”
Despite the non-existence of a migrant definition universally at the international level; International Organization for Migration specifically defines “ migrant ” as “an Umbrella Term ” that also corresponds to international students;
“An umbrella term, not defined under international law, reflects the common lay understanding of a person who moves away from his or her place of usual residence, whether within a country or across an international border, temporarily or permanently, and for a variety of reasons. The term includes several well-defined legal categories of people, such as migrant workers; persons whose particular types of movements are legally- defined, such as smuggled migrants; as well as those whose status or means of movement are not specifically defined under international law, such as international students (InternationalMigration Law; Glossary on Migration, 2019: 132)”
People tend to travel to economically strong countries that have advanced technology, modern infrastructure, and better living standards than developing countries. These advanced developments of modern countries attract people, specifically, the young generation, and students are more prone to migrate to western countries and Europe. The students not only bring their intellectual knowledge but also capital and information in order to promote globalization. According to a report by oecd.org (2018: 24), OECD member states registered 59 million migrants who are between 15 to 34 years of age, which makes up 27% of the OECD population. Most migrants who appear to migrate to OECD come from countries like Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Apart from technological advancements and modern infrastructure, there are certain incentives and privileges attracting intellectuals and migrants. For instance, Germany offered green cards to technology experts for a longer stay Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung, (2022), and Australia and the UK offer advanced training programs to retain migrants (Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, 2022; Department for Education UK, 2022). Such offers intrigue students from developing countries, the students come from different academia like engineering, technical staff, and natural and social sciences because they look for better opportunities to retain their permanent residence.
Japan, the USA, and Europe also proposed scientific projects, fellowships, and grants that invited scientists from various countries (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 2022; University of South Florida, 2022). The projects included stimulating incentives that triggered the interest of numerous foreign faculties and scientists to apply for incumbent positions (Turpin, 2007). Moreover, foreign remittances happen to resolve the economic vacuum, which is also applicable to students. Financial remittances sent by migrants to their home countries are deemed necessary for the economic vehicle (Swing, 2018). The researcher of the current study argues, in Pakistan, fresh graduates are most likely to struggle in grabbing a job and do not get their desired salaries after finishing their studies. Consequently, they either end up with a job that does not align with their profession and field, additionally, or they move abroad for higher studies that enable them to send remittances to their home country to fill the economic vacuum. Non-skilled laborers also struggle to overcome economic gaps by sending remittances to their home country with the purpose to end economic classification.
Keeping in view the struggle of immigrants searching for better living standards and incentives offered by economically strong countries to students and scholars, where they meet new cultures, new bureaucratic system, and their attachment to a new environment; there comes disengagement from their origin and community (Faist, 2000). In the early times before the spread of the internet, handwritten letters and mail packages were used by migrants to contact their families and loved ones. Usually, these letters and packages took months to arrive at their destination (Thomas and Znaniecki, 1918). Scholars such as (Horst, 2006; Vertovec, 2004: 220) discovered that telephonic conversations between migrants and their families were not only the cheapest form of communication but it also connected them with the world. From telephonic conversations and connections to telegraphs and then web servers had emerged. Now social media - regardless of the platform - is considered an important tool of communication for the sustenance of social connections. Social media, today, proves to be more than just sustaining social ties, moreover, its role in transforming and facilitating migrants and their connections is also prominent.
1.1. Problem statement
Soon after finishing higher studies in Pakistan, students of young age start getting concerned about their professional life ahead, such concerns set out to hit them psychologically in their final years. It is also obvious with higher degrees like Master's and Ph.D. in hand, they expect handsome remuneration at the organizations. Few of them secure their dream jobs with attractive salary packages and few still await responses. In a developing country like Pakistan, the success of a person is measured by his designation and monthly earnings. Taking into account materialistic factors like owning property and luxury cars together with designation and earnings are prominent parameters to measure success. Ultimately, fresh graduates struggle to secure their future in Pakistan have to leave their home country for higher studies, and spend two or more years on another degree but they appear confident to foresee their professional career. The context of this paper only concentrates on and collects the data from “ Pakistani students in Germany ”.
The successful expatriates come to Germany to settle down and do not want to go back to Pakistan unless they have pressing matters of utmost importance back home. In search of better living standards and better future prospects, students start realizing the preliminary daily challenges in Germany in form of language barriers, cultural shocks, environment and food, and beaurucratic formalities. These are the challenges and hurdles every new student faces regardless of their nationality or country of origin. In all this struggle, social media is a remarkable key player to seek help and guidance from senior Pakistani citizens regarding coping with such situations. This paper attempts to discuss and analyze the preliminary challenges Pakistani students have to go through in Germany and the role of social media as a helping hand in their struggle from coming to Germany till they settle down.
1.2. Research Question
This paper emphasizes the following three questions;
i. What role does social media play for Pakistani students coming to Germany?
ii. Which social media platforms do most students use to get information regarding their studies and for coming to Germany?
iii. How helpful are the social media forums for Pakistani students to integrate into German society?
The research questions aim to deliver practical solutions to the challenges that Pakistani students deal with beginning their journey to search for universities and their arrival in Germany. The above-mentioned questions would enable students to understand the significance of social media not only during their struggling period in Germany but also pre and post-departure to Germany. The questionnaire is designed in such a way that it addresses all the relevant areas that need to be discussed, moreover, the research questions also align with the questionnaire.
1.3. Significance of the study
The findings of this study reveal the problems, challenges, and hurdles faced by Pakistani students to integrate into German society. Further, this paper will also find out how social media assists them in moving from Pakistan and integrating into a new society. The outcomes of this study are helpful for future students to recognize and understand the possible challenges; suitable steps to cope with during their time of making efforts to understand the new society; social media channels should they use to seek guidance from the Pakistani community in Germany. Moreover, with the help of a questionnaire, the purposes of the students for staying in or leaving Germany based on the circumstances - whether they have finished studying or are still studying - are understood. The study perceives detailed insights and perspectives of students with respect to prospective measures and, simultaneously, offers pragmatic suggestions for upcoming students. Last but not least, the suggested recommendations are constructive and valuable for the German Embassy in Pakistan vis-à- vis the Pakistani Embassy in Germany to realize the challenges faced by new students.
1.4. Objectives of the study
The objectives of this study are to investigate the extent of Pakistani students’ reliance on social networking channels such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram to collect information for studying in Germany. The study also aims to seek why the students have chosen Germany. Had they already planned to study abroad during or after their studies or did they just want to escape the economic struggle in Pakistan? Further, a large proportion of Pakistani students in Germany will be researched with the available primary data on German official websites. Overall, the role of social media’s assistance in migration will be kept as the main theme of the study. The objectives of this study are as follows:
1. Pakistani students’ dependence on social media.
2. Social media's role in migration.
3. Effects of social media on Pakistani students’ behavior and decision-making.
4. The importance of social media channels to collect information.
5. Channels other than social media are searched by students to get information.
6. Female participants’ responses to the survey
7. To what extent information on social media is trusted by the students?
8. To determine social media as an integral part to remain in contact with family and friends.
1.5. Thesis Organization
This paper is split into six chapters. The first chapter is about the introduction, problem statement, research question, significance, and objectives of the study, and lastly, how this paper is organized. The following second chapter is a literature review. To get insights and a thorough understanding of the topic, a literature review helps to create new ideas. A summary of the historical perspective of Pakistan’s economy would give the readers an idea about the economic situation. Further, students’ transition from Pakistan to Germany will be elaborated on with statistics from 2010 to 2022. The later part of the literature mainly focuses on different social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram, and lastly, illustrates the connection between social media and immigration. The literature review will be followed by the third chapter of the Theoretical Framework. This chapter illustrates Media dependency Theory and its relevance to migration. The fourth Chapter discusses Research Methodology explaining mixed (quantitative and qualitative) descriptive research design, instrumentation, data collection and sampling, limitations, ethical consideration, survey results, and interviews’ detailed explanations. The fifth chapter analyzes and discusses the research findings by tallying, verifying, and cross-checking the responses from questionnaires and interviews, respectively. Last chapter six concludes the paper with recommendations for future studies as well as for Pakistani students and concerned institutional departments in Germany and Pakistan.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Historical Perspective of the Economic Situation in Pakistan and Related Literature
The economic situation of Pakistan has been alarming since the time of independence in 1947. The professionals, engineers, medical staff, academicians, and industrialists had no sector to work in (Thani, 2006). At the time of migration from India, these professionals had to leave all of their office setups and joined Pakistan. They only had working knowledge and expertise. Poverty was rising due to migration and Pakistan had only 200 million dollars’ worth of foreign reserves. The infant state was in a surviving condition (Faridi et al., 2021: 179). The 1950s is deemed an era of industrialization for Pakistan’s economy. The businesses such as industries, agricultural imports, and export were developing at a rapid pace. The employment opportunities increased as competition between investors when natural gas was discovered in 1952 (Hussain, 2004: 5). With a sudden shift, Pakistan’s economy became reliant on foreign aid and had to take a foreign loan from the USA worth $ 500 million. The economic downfall had been noticed after Martial law was imposed in 1958, which pushed living standards and per capita income into a deteriorating situation (Anjum and Sgro, 2017: 172).
The 1960s is considered a golden age for Pakistan’s gross domestic product and economic growth. On the other hand, international aid dependency, inefficient industries, and income inequality were constraining sustainable economic growth. The international debt ratio increased to 4.2%, but due to political instability, the foreign aid growth rate increased in Pakistan and poverty was rising (Amjad, 2014: 93). In the meantime, West Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was being marginalized during 1965 war between India and Pakistan (Faridi et al., 2021: 181). There has been a huge misunderstanding between the public and the establishment in the 1970s which (ibid) calls the reason for the separation of East (Pakistan) and West (now Bangladesh) Pakistan. The economic situation further worsened in the country after the separation; due to this, extremism and inflation were rising. On the contrary, the era of 1970 is known as the era of ‘Nationalization and Socialism’, where national institutes were privatized in 1972. Privatization pushed the investment and GDP increased to 25%, however, SMEs (small and medium enterprises) declined the investments (Anjum and Sgro, 2017: 173).
After the reversal of Nationalization, the country’s economic condition recovered in the 1980s (Anjum and Sgro, 2017: 174). This time period is important because of militancy and extremism when Pakistan made an alliance with the US against the then-Soviet Union in Afghanistan (Faridi et al., 2021: 182). People had more employment opportunities and poverty was shrinking due to the reversal of nationalism. Remittances from the Middle East increased National savings by 16%. Overall, Pakistan was facing a trade deficit and the government used national savings to support the discrepancies (Anjum and Sgro, 2017: 174). Pakistan was in a massive debt crisis in the 1990s. The country was hit with the worst wave of inflation due to the decline in GDP. 5.9% of the population was unemployed. Pakistan was hit with sanctions due to nuclear testing in 1996 (ibid).
These sanctions had enormously impacted the agriculture sector which rose the poverty level by 30.6%, to an alarming situation (Anjum and Sgro, 2017:175). All in all, political instability, violence, extremism, corruption, poor law and order, and institutional crisis had been seen in Pakistan in the 1990s (Faridi et al., 2021: 183). The 2000s were the times when military power was institutionalized. The political system of Pakistan witnessed several constitutional amendments. On the other hand, the country also experienced economic liberalization. The poverty level diminished from 34% to 22 % in the years 2001 and 2005, respectively. During the military era, the literacy rate increased to 55%. Pakistan also experienced developments in various sectors from 1947 to 2010. Such as, the GDP share of the agriculture sector dropped from 53 percent to 21.2 percent; the GDP share of the industrial sector spiked from 9.6pc to 25.4pc during military rule (Anjum and Sgro, 2017: 176).
The first 8 years after the 2000 s were military years while from 2008 till now democracy is persistently continuing. In 2013, Pakistan faced not only debt but also a power crisis. Soon, the crisis had been overcome with the help of higher consumer spending; satisfactory security conditions; reduced oil prices, and foreign reserves were reportedly stagnant (Faridi et al., 2021:184). Rucher Sharma (2016: 197) in his book “Rise and Fall of Nations” anticipated the economic stability of Pakistan in the year 2020, which turned out to be true. Faridi et al (2021) also state that ‘military rule’ has always been better for Pakistan’s economy instead of ‘democratic governments’. The authors, further, quote the World Bank Report (2018), showing an increased growth rate of Pakistan by 5.3% in 2017 and decreased poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic had hit almost every country across the world and affected their businesses and human life. Pakistan Economic Survey report of 2019-2020 (2020: 15) elaborates that the agricultural sector of Pakistan has had no impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas, this sector positively grew by 2.67%.
A brief overview of Pakistan’s economic background with an average unemployment rate from 1985 to 2020 was 5.41% (Trading Economics, 2021). According to the same report, the lowest unemployment was registered in 1987 at 3.10% and the highest was in 2002 at 7.80%. With such a variation in Pakistan’s economy, Kock and Sun (2011: 190) sketched the remittances sent by migrants mostly from Gulf Countries to Pakistan counted to 7 billion dollars from 2002-2008. However, According to the Pew Research Center, in 2017, overall remittances sent by migrants from Germany to Pakistan accounted for 192 million dollars1 (Migrant Resource Centre, 2022; Pew Research Center, 2019). Massey (1999: 303) explains four facets of international migration. Drivers promoting emigration in developing countries; drivers attracting immigrants in developed countries; the drivers could be the goals of immigrants, their motivation, and further economic and social factors.
The actors responding to such driving forces connect with the migration process. Further, Massey (1999: 304) transcribes that driving forces in developing countries are run by world system theory. According to world system theory, nations are economically interdependent, whereas, interdependency is also divided based on countries’ economies; the core economy, semi-periphery economy, and periphery economy (Social Science, 2021). The rationale to write a detailed economic perspective is necessary to understand the past and present developments in Pakistan, therefore, it would be one of the major driving factors for immigration which is not only constrained to Pakistani students but Pakistani society at large.
World Bank lists Pakistan in 3rd place in South Asia in relation to migration and remittances, on the other hand, when it comes to mass mobilization Pakistan stands in 6th place in the world mobilization ranking among 44 industrialist countries (The Express Tribune, 2015). 3400 Pakistani nationals relinquished their nationality within a period of 5 years in order to get another nationality. This digit of 3400 makes up 4.65% of the registered emigrants at the immigration and passport office, and 1534 are also in a queue waiting to renounce their nationality (The Express Tribune2, 2015).
Another authentic Newspaper (Dawn, 2020) reported that Higher Education sent 132 scholars abroad for higher education; 82 of them skipped to go back to Pakistan. Additionally, 132 Pakistani also reportedly did not go back to Pakistan according to another report by The Express Tribune (2020). Pakistan experienced a 9-fold rise in immigration statistics revealed by the Pakistan Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment since 1981 (Thani, 2006: 52). A large proportion 45.4 percent of Pakistani society was living in the Middle East in 2004 and Europe was 2nd largest destination with 29.2%, subsequently, the USA and Canada with 22.7% (ibid: 68).
People of young age and youth emigrate from Pakistan with the purpose to find a better lifestyle with better employment opportunities and education. Therefore, when they foresee their future is getting safe in the destination country, they renounce their nationality. Such immigrants are in most cases professionals in certain fields, which is required by their country of origin. After getting more experience and knowledge, they go back to their country of origin with investments (Islamic Development Bank, n.d.). Their investment participates in the monetary conditions of a country and also creates work prospects for other citizens.
According to Brzozowski (2008: 11-12), Scientists and experts in the technological field from the UK and Europe desire to choose Canada and the USA due to the 1965 Immigration Act of the United States. It is apparent when scientists, skilled labor, and students are inclined to migrate; the productivity level of sending country also declines. Above and beyond, he (ibid) calls a country losing its economic potential due to migration, unfair and unjust. An important point to notice here is that he criticizes western countries for being more developed and advanced because of their unfair system of wealth distribution, whereas eastern countries are still in developing phases. Although he has not clearly elaborated on any western or eastern country, nevertheless, he indicates the study of Kannappan (1968: 341) “ The brain drain and developing countries. ” Kannappan gives a notion of North and Western Europe as Western Countries, and conversely, Africa, and Southeast and South Asian countries as Eastern countries.
The advancements in Information and communication technologies have caused several innovations, also many new terms were introduced such as “ Brain Drain.” For instance; another synonym for brain drain is used as Human Capital by Giannoccolo (2009: 2), where the author explained the phenomena of brain drain as “a one-way streaming of expertise, knowledge, and skills from developing countries to developed countries”. He further implies, that exiting/departing (drain) of competency and skill (brain) at a concentrated rate from one country and entering into another country (ibid). Since international migration had initiated, the world as a whole sought to become more globalized. Thus, not only receiving countries but also sending countries encounter some favorable and unfavorable impacts. The favorable effects offset the unfavorable effect of migration (Mountford, 1997). The favorable effects for sending countries are the remittances, which are also contributing factors to the economy as well as lure investments to the educational sector. Migrants accumulate capital and bring it to their home country that could be used in social development. Brzozowski (2008) names such developments an offspring of “Brain Migration” since expatriates bring knowledge and skills to their countries.
Moreover, remittances also cause an upbringing in national income. Therefore, remittances could directly benefit Foreign Direct Investment and economic growth. Askari (2008) writes in his column published in ‘The Nation’, a distinguished newspaper, that young doctors after completing their MBBS degree move to other countries for better employment and earnings. Askari (2008) further expresses that the economic situation and terrorism are the push factors for their migration. Sajjad (2011: 38) also affirms push factors such as youth seeing limited work opportunities or no personal growth at work, poor economic growth, and no promotion at the workplace.
Furthermore, Sajjad (2011: 40) explained pull factors by referring to Nasir Nadeem and Muhammad Ashfaq; pull factors are the developments, technological advancements, and research opportunities in developed countries that entice students and skilled workers. Rehmatullah cited by Sajjad (2011: 40) in her paper, says quality education and quality research are parallel to each other. In addition, for Rehmatullah (ibid) no bureaucratic pressure, better education with research, post-job incentives in form of pension, human rights, property protection, a better lifestyle, and a career with high income are the pull factors. International Migration accepts people from different disciplinary backgrounds which include skilled and non-skilled migrants as well. (Brettell and Hollifield, 2014).
Granovetter (1973) argues that emigrants mostly prefer to migrate to a country where they already have someone or when they already have information about their destination country. It takes place with their connections and networks, thus, social media is a platform which they build their networks from. Massey (1999) also seconds such argument that migrants build their networks from community groups, kinships, and friendships on social media. Diminescu (2008) is of the view that social media helps migrants to retain their connections back home. Social media has become a communal platform that helps not only migrants but everyone, in general, establishes connections around the world, and shares information (McGregor and Siegel, 2013).
The networks people create assist them (tangible assistance) to secure a job and then find accommodation when they arrive in the destination country (Haug, 2008). The decision of youth to migrate is enforced when they see limited facilities in their country, and forecast more opportunities abroad say Eacott and Sonn (2006). The statements above are justified by Hidayat (2017) in his research that youth temporarily migrate to pursue a quality education. Such a driver of temporary stay, he termed “liquid migration.” Liquid migration is a way to permanent settlement in the future and migrants gather information from liquid to permanent settlement through social media (ibid).
2.2. Students’ Transition from Pakistan to Germany
Prior to writing thorough and detailed statistics about Pakistani students in Germany and the overall Pakistani community living in Germany, it is imperative to add theories of migration, which were included in a working paper, published under the flag of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Boswell, 2002: 2-5). The author describes three types of theories as Macro, Meso (intermediary), and Micro theories, however, such theories are not mutually agreed though. According to the advocates of Macro theory, the structure of migration is run by either the “Pull” or “Push” factor. As also illustrated in the previous section, advanced economy, social, and materialistic drivers, etc., are enticing factors for immigrants, and thus categorized as pull factors. Unemployment, the poor economy of a country and low income, etc. are push factors (Boswell, 2002: 2-5; International Organization for Migration, 2021: 10). The driving forces such as civil war or state oppression of a particular ethnicity cause involuntary displacement. This involuntary displacement is not accounted for voluntary migration, hence, it is all due to the circumstances. Therefore, the conditions in sending and receiving countries are still generating push and pull factors, even if there is involuntary displacement (International Organization for Migration, 2021: 10).
Advocates of the Meso (intermediate) theory as mentioned by Boswell (2002: 3), oppose not only the Macro theory but also the pull and push factors associated with the macro theory. However, they are more prone to highlight the complex migration processes and connections between countries. These migrant connections and complex systems are considered to be more important for Meso theorists. They argue that it is a migration system that connects the countries together. People also connect together and form individual or collective networks, due to this such a system further keeps flowing the migration process (ibid). The author strongly emphasizes the so-called “ chain migration ” that happens due to available resources among networks on different scales (small and large) depending upon the regions and areas. Conclusively, meso theory is only applicable to determine the point of destination for migrants and their networks, and their system of connection, according to Boswell (2002).
Unlike the first two theories of macro and meso, the micro theory rather emphasizes migration decisions made by individuals and evaluates their cost and benefits. How are cost and benefit analyses evaluated then? The studies based on individual decisions are usually rational behavior because they assess individuals’ circumstances that forced them to migrate (ibid: 4). In a nutshell, push-pulls are the triggering factors in macro theory. Meso theory studies the migration system and networks of migrants. Lastly, studying the individual decisions and behavior for migration comes under micro theory.
2.2.1. A Glance at Statistics from 2010 to 2022
Table 1 is drawn to distinguish the flow of students from 2010 to 2022. All the figures included are extracted from (DAAD, 2010-20223 ) and (Mazhar, 2018);
TABLE 1.
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample4 5
A report by DAAD (2010: 58) corroborates that in 2010 mostly Chinese students came to Germany for doctorate degrees, however, gradually Indian, Syrian, Egyptian, and Pakistani students’ participation sharply increased in doctorate degrees in Germany. Before 2010, Pakistani doctoral candidates were counted as 426 in 2009, 433 academicians and researchers in 2008 (ibid: 79), and 492 students in 2010 (Mazhar, 2018: 14). 2011 report by DAAD (2011: 54) compares the student population in Germany with the UK, Australia, and France. 9,303 Pakistani students in the UK in the year 2011 were registered as per the report despite not having free education in the UK. On the contrary, in the 2011 report (ibid: 67) the proportion of Pakistani mobile6 students is recorded as 719 as of 2010. Mazhar (2018: 14) also mentioned that 583 total students were enrolled in Germany for Master's, Ph.D., and Post-Doc.
The number of Pakistani students coming to Germany gradually increased in 2012 from 583 to 629 and then to 920 in 2013. There had been a slight upward trend recorded in 2014 with 932 students; which further pitched to 1028 in 2015, and 1074 in 2016, respectively (Mazhar, 2018: 14). The year 2017 experienced a 257.17% increase in students entering Germany with 3836 numbers in 2016 (DAAD, 2017: 4). In 2017, the numbers increased by 14.94% percent to 4409 (DAAD, 2018: 4). In 2018, the number of Pakistani scholars jumped from 4409 to 4928; which is 11.772% increase, according to DAAD, (2019).
There has been an increase of 16.742% (5753 students) in the year 2019 in comparison to the previous year (DAAD, 2020). In the winter semester of 2019/2020, 5968 students were accounted to have been admitted to German higher education (DAAD, 2021: 44). It has been indicated in the same report (ibid: 6) that despite the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the education-driven students were leaning towards Germany in 2020, hence, incoming international students ratio did not drop but slightly augmented. According to the current report by DAAD (2022: 4), 6403 Pakistani students were enrolled in German education institutions in 2021; which accounts for a 7.29% increase over the previous year. Overall, there has been a remarkable 431.608 percent growth with respect to Pakistani students since 2010. For the record, the largest population in Germany for higher studies comes from China, India, Russia, and Austria (study-in-germany.org, 2018).
International students, overwhelmingly, chose to study in Germany more than other countries because of its history of imparting quality education along with practical knowledge, and also free education. In view of the fact that data is being collected from 2010 until 2022 from Pakistani students in Germany, therefore, the proportion of Pakistani students arriving in Germany is being enlightened in chronological order. The phenomenon of educational permits in Germany has significantly increased in recent years. Despite the fact, that Germany is not an English-speaking country, nonetheless, has grabbed the 4th position as a favorable study destination (Trines, 2019). In addition, foreign students have been assigned two categories in Germany (Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik & Grote, 2019: 12);
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
2.3. Major Social Media Platforms
In the late 20th century, the use of science enhanced inventions and innovations; such innovations greatly influenced humankind across the globe. In the meantime, technologies such as social media helped people to interact with each other (Lin & Rauschnabel, 2016: 2). “Social media as a term was primarily used for the first time during an online meeting in Tokyo in 1994 known as Matisse (Aichner et al., 2021: 215; Bercovici, 2010).” Social media is an internet-based platform(s) that connects people to initiate real-time discussions with each other where they can publish and share the content of their choice. These platforms have evolved, improved, and upgraded with time. In the modern world, the functions of social media platform(s) are also covering a wide range of features, and are also being used for; such as networking, business, job searching, gaming, romance and flirting, and socialization. As far as the study is concerned, this section will just contribute to a brief overview of social media and elaborate on major social networking platforms. Socialization is a communal property among all social networking platforms (Aichner & Jacob, 2015), however, some of them perhaps be differently designed. People connected through social media are considered online communities. Despite the fact, that whether they are familiar with each other or not, distance also does not matter, they still connect if they feel supported by each other, have the same interests, and are like-minded (Lazakidou, 2012). According to Barkhuus & Tashiro (2010: 3), regardless of age or profession, social media is helping people to build relationships and share their life events with their loved ones, family, and friends.
Furthermore, several authors (Sponcil & Gitimu, 2013; Aichner et al., 2021: 216) disclosed that 91 percent of students use social media to keep in touch with their friends and families. Additionally, 50 percent of the students daily communicate with their loved ones. When it comes to migration, people with migrant backgrounds need to strengthen their connections and relationship with their relatives and families through social media. It is said to have been a vital tool for transnational communication between migrants and their families and friends (Williams & Merten, 2011). Kaplan (2018: 2663) cites that the years after 2010 were the times when the mobilization of information through social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc has widespread.
2.3.1. Facebook
Today’s most dominant social media platform, “Facebook” was launched in 2004. While it was still in its nascent stages, it caught the attention of millions of users within a short span of a period and became the largest social network (Wilson & Johnston, 2018: 838). Britannica (2012) reports, by the end of 2011, 845 million users had been exponentially using Facebook. Alhabash & Ma (2017: 2) say that Facebook is a user-interactive interface where people from different regions, cultures, and languages connect. Facebook is distinguished because it allows its users to post, share, and comment on matters related to their interests. Further, they can also share photos and update their information regardless of their personal and professional life (Stec, 2020). Statista Research Department (Statista, 2022a) has recently reported, an exceeding 2.936 billion Facebook users around the world in just the first 4 months of 2022. The majority of Facebook users are young 18-34; which constitutes 53.6% of its total users7 across the globe (Statista, 2022b). Pakistan is also ranked in 11th place with a total of 43.55 million active users of Facebook as of January 2022. India tops the list with
329.65 million users; the USA is in the second spot with 179.65 million users (Statista, 2022c).
2.3.2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp was originally founded in 2009, however, the Facebook owner purchased it in 2014 (Statista, 2021; Westbrook, 2021). A study held by a group of researchers Resende et al (2019: 1) explains; WhatsApp is one of the largest used social media applications around the world, with most users in Brazil, India, and Germany. WhatsApp is a mobile application that mainly requires the internet to send messages. It outnumbered - Facebook Messenger users (1.3 billion users) and WeChat (1.2 billion users) - with a digit of 2 billion monthly active users in 2021 (Statista, 2021b). Moreover, it is third largest social networking platform. Today, everyone owns a smartphone that means they must be definitely having WhatsApp which is being used to communicate with family and friends. The exceptional key properties of WhatsApp are that communication remain private and data is safely end-to-end encrypted. The users (sender and receiver) involved in communication can see the data they are sharing. Further, users are also able to create groups that allow accommodating a maximum of 256 members in one group (Resende et al., 2019: 1). As a social networking channel, unlike Facebook, its users can only communicate by writing texts, sending photos, voice and video calls, and share links from other social networking channels. People are now also allowed to make business accounts on WhatsApp. No specific data has been recorded regarding the total WhatsApp users in Pakistan8.
2.3.3. Twitter
Originally instituted in 2006, Twitter is a microblogging network that connects its users; who are categorically following each other. The users can do real-time communication with their followers by replying, mentioning them, or with hashtags Alhabash & Ma (2017: 2), however, this interaction was limited to 140 characters initially but later in 2017, it was increased to 280 characters (Twitter, 2022). It means a user cannot write more than 280 characters. According to Fiegerman (2016), Twitter lost the importance and admiration from its users but Duggan (2015) rebutted and claimed that the population of Twitter users remained unchanged. The latest figures for total users of Twitter reported in 2021 were 192 million in the world (Lin, 2021). The Twitter platform is continuously growing and its influence on its users is exponentially expanding with hashtag trends. Petrova (2020) writes in CNBC that the influence of twitter's top trends reaches an audience beyond its users if they add hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter and #Metoo. Kemp (2022) shows the complete digital report on Pakistan; wherein Pakistan had 3.40 million Twitter users in the early quarter of 2022 which makes up 1.5% of the total twitter population.
2.3.4. Instagram
First released in 2010 and then acquired by Facebook in 2012, Instagram is a social media platform enabling people to make videos, take photos, and edit them by using several filters, and by uploading. Recently, now its users can also share their content on other social networking channels such as Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook (Statista, 2022e). Instagram as one of the favorite mobile applications has also the highest number of users in the world. The users are usually enabled to follow each other, however, celebrities are mostly followed on Instagram. Additionally, while posting photos and videos, users can also add hashtags, write captions, and add location-based tags. Statista (2022d) foresees an exponential rise in total Instagram users worldwide with 1.2 billion by 2023. Further, Instagram has experienced a rapid increase of 315 million users from 2019 to 2022, which amplified the overall Instagram family to 1130.2 million. Pakistan has 13.75 million Instagram users so far (Kemp, 2022); wherein it makes up 6% of the total Instagram contributors in the world. It is also worth noting that 65.2% of 13.75 million users in Pakistan are male, whereas, the rest 34.8% audience is female (ibid).
Statista (2021a) published a report about reaching 2 billion audiences on major social media platforms since they are released. The report shows WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube touched 2 billion active users in 11 years, 11.2 years, 13.3 years, and 14.2 years, respectively, since they have been launched and available to the public. The subsequent section 2.4 elaborates on social media's connection to migration. China, India, the USA, Indonesia, and Brazil are the countries with the most social media users. Alone in these 5 countries total social networking users are counted as 2286.89 million (Statista, 2022f). Pakistan as 5th most populous country in the world has 71.70 million social media users which make up around 31.5 percent of the total population (Kemp, 2022; Worldometer, 2022).
2.4. Connection between Social media and Migration
Dekker & Engbersen (2013: 9-12) discovered that social media facilitates international migrants in four ways; First, they found strong connections being built between migrants and their families and friends due to social media. Means of communication have also become almost free of cost and more effective. The respondents of their study described how easy their life has become and indicated timely and fast responses through social media helped migrants to establish new connections. Second and third, social media always has new means of sharing information that associates new ties with the old ones, for example, concerns about migration, legal conditions, and post-migration settlement issues. Thus, Wellman (1999) wrote that online media is a means of communication from which migrants can expand their network which would ultimately be supportive for them to get more information and sources. Lastly, Dekker & Engbersen (2013) found social media has the upper hand or benefit over the official institutional sources and information; in-depth knowledge about migrants and their issues can only be known when they communicate, make connections and share their part of the information.
Human social space was de-territorialized with the invention of Web 2.0. Today, it is facilitating geographically scattered migrant networks through internet applications where migrants can generate their own content. Nonetheless, such content is spread beyond Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other sources such as YouTube, Twitter, Weblogs, etc. Communities of similar interests are still prospering through the medium of social networks (Boyd & Ellison, 2007: 219). Social media as a medium of communication gives access to individuals to make social ties. It bridges a fast and rapid interaction between individuals that has made communication more effective in contrast to telephonic communication and interaction. Hiller & Franz (2004) investigated the renewing social connections between lost and old ties with the help of social media. Further, they also discovered three phases of migration with the use of the internet; pre-migration, post-migration, and settled-migration (ibid: 737-743). They also presented three types of online relationships between migration and migrants; which are “ new ties, old ties, and lost ties (ibid: 743).”
Another study by Hidayati (2017: 517) corroborates migrants getting information through social media. They conducted a study about Indonesian migrants abroad. They put forward an argument that skilled labor for youth migrants such as students is not a new phenomenon in Indonesia. They explained that 43000 Indonesian students collected information on social networking channels about their targeted destination countries (ibid). Their networks on social media were an important contributor to their migration process. They were provided with detailed facts and figures about the targeted university, city, and country by friends that they were in contact on social media. Thus, presenting the fact that it contributes to mitigating the fear of loneliness and feeling of isolation.
In such a way, technology specifically social media impacted the students’ life that such a chain continues as a source of information for prospective students and migrants. Means of online social networks are digitally transforming migration processes and the connections of migrants. Everyone intending to migrate apparently does not have access to the internet and cannot use social media. However, a considerable number of migrants in West Africa are using Facebook for migration purposes through information and knowledge campaigns. The International Organization for Migration launches information campaigns in West African countries (Guinea, Nigeria, and Sinegal) targeting migrants via Facebook advertisements (Haarman et al., 2020: 2).
The interconnectedness between migration and social media is explored and analyzed by several authors (Komito, 2011; Komito & Bates, 2009) with the lenses of social media as a facilitator to patch up weaker ties between migrants and close networks. On the contrary, newcomers lose social capital. Gestur & Piotr (2012: 58-66) explained the concept of social capital, presented by James S. Coleman as “ Individuals need social gathering to facilitate each other and improve each other’s situation in migration. Resources are mobilized by individuals in form of information which Coleman acknowledged as social capital (Gestur and Piotr, 2012: 58-66).” Migrants do not have any affiliation in a new country after they leave their families back home. Having networks through social media is favorable for the new migrants to resume social capital in the destination country.
Oiarzabal (2012) narrates social media as a central point of information sharing that qualify migrants to share their knowledge regardless of their residential status in host countries - “students share their own experience; refugees and asylum seekers have different stories to tell” - as their living understandings and challenges during initial periods of postmigration. Besides, information sharing and constant interaction through Facebook among Basque migrants also increased the social capital of the Basque diaspora. On the one hand, social media could be a powerful tool for interactive facts and figures and it also permits sharing of practical real-life instances. On the other hand, misinformation could also be spread by migrants which can be alarming and misleading for prospective migrants. Misinformation can also be used to lure new migrants, particularly, young refugees by offering them marital status or jobs; which actually could be a manipulative maneuver to temptation (Dekker & Engbersen, 2013: 7). Social media facilitate to develop interconnectedness feelings amongst international students in the USA, especially when they converse with the people back home. Social media expedite the process of integrating and adjusting to a new country and foreign environment in the early phases of post-migration (ibid: 9).
Alike every scholar and researcher, Alencar (2018) also discovered the association between social media and migration. The researcher learned the significance of social media’s assistance for migrants and retaining their connection with their families. Social media signifies the new migrants in such a way that they feel strong emotional and social attachment. Challenges like integrating into a new society are mitigated when discussed with like-minded people through internet-based networks; a discussion is “communication experiences by migrants” studied by Kim (2008: 507). Moreover, where social media is aiding to integrating into a society, there it also shows a positive image of a host country in a way that a new destination is considered a home. How social media can assist to understand if the destination country could be a sanctuary or not? As per the researcher’s understanding, three points can be undertaken;
1. Migrants connect with their community via internet-based networks and could ask about the lifestyle and standard of living in their prospective destination country.
2. Prospective migrants can search online for their rights and freedom, and cultural identity. They may also watch videos on YouTube and other channels to make sure the environment is well enough and suitable for them. These kinds of techniques could also be employed by the students.
3. Watching movies and documentaries may leave an impression of a lifestyle in a certain country; further, hear-saying - listening to personal experiences and stories from expatriates, etc. - might also influence the decision-making process of a person.
The abovementioned three ideas take into consideration online and offline communication channels, influencing the perceptions of potential migrants regarding integration (integration process and complexions, job market, societal behavior towards migrants) in a new society. The next chapter elaborates on a theoretical framework that includes media dependency theory and societies’ or communities’ reliance on mass media for the sake of information and its effects on societies at large when embraced.
CHAPTER 3: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
3.1. Media Dependency Theory and its Association with Migration
The reliance on media in the contemporary world is inescapable, for instance, people act according to the information they get from media about the social world, and further, they understand how to tackle their daily challenges. “The dependency on media is parallel to the needs to cope in daily social life, thus also affect behavior and feelings of people (Ball- Rokeach and DeFleur, 1976: 6).” The technological revolution has a two-fold impact on the world as a whole, it not only introduced the world with social networks and media but also bestow the masses with information. However, over time, the quality of social media and policies related to media are hovering on the board. For example, Granovetter (1973) argues that due to social media, migrants are able to get the required information from close acquaintances and even they make new connections in destination countries by using social media channels.
Thus, Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur (1976: 7) also narrated that due to the delivery of specific information, the audience is dependent on the media. Moreover, the authors (ibid) explain further conditions such as conflict and change, due to which society is dependent on media. According to this condition, media is resourceful during conflicts and greater reliance on social media is observed during these circumstances as it plays a role in changing the behavior of people. Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur (1976) presented the media system dependency theory. The authors narrated three (Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral ) effects of media on people and how such dependence affects their behavior.
3.1.1. Cognitive
Cognitive effects have five categories - ambiguity, agenda setting, attitude, belief, and value - stated by Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur (1976). Due to the lack of information about any event happening in the world, many people remain perplexed about whether it’s actual or a rumor, and there remains ambiguity in understanding all the scenarios. People first come to know about the latest events through social media, according to a report by Hutchinson (2021), social media channels keep updating about 71 percent of US citizens. If the information is incomplete and misleading, people might start questioning the authenticity of social media, therefore, to prove its authenticity and legitimacy, people active on social networking channels rely on more sources in order to make themselves able not be in any doubt and do not pass on the fake information. However, the media is not responsible for how the disseminated information is interpreted by the masses. The constructive role, the media is playing in forming people’s opinions, in particular, migrants’ opinions and decisions is somehow a social reality. Just for a record, migrants’ coverage became the limelight of media in the 1980s (Fengler & Kreutler, 2020: 8).
The second cognitive effect describes the role of media in agenda setting. Every day a broad range of topics are covered by the media; the topic of migrants is also one of them which is discussed by analysts (Deutsche Welle, 2022). Due to the economic crisis and conflicts, media coverage of such instances may push people to set the agenda to leave their country. The media coverage could fascinate people who are interested in a particular topic. Therefore, personal agendas are set by people that concern them most and media assist them in achieving specific information (Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur, 1976: 11-12). How can people set the agenda after they become aware of their personal interests? The answer is simple “through interactions” and such interactions take place via social media. Regarding international students, what could be the concerning matters for them? Well, precarious money-related issues, accommodation challenges, beaurucratic work, etc. These concerns are discussed on social networking channels with an agenda to cope with them.
Attitude formation is another cognitive effect that emphasizes changing the behavior and attitudes of people in response to media information (Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur, 1976: 10-11). For example, attitude change for climate change emergencies, war crisis emergencies, and subject to this paper, positive display of behavior towards migrants help them to feel integrated and minimize the gap between locals and foreigners through media (Danilova, 2014). The media keep highlighting such events using various attention-seeking tactics that people tend to react to highlighted events that show feelings in their attitudinal formation.
Moreover, the fourth cognitive impact of the belief system of the masses is also driven by media (Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur, 1976: 12-13). As a matter of fact, ideas, understanding, and knowledge of people on numerous subjects such as places, cultures, and foreign societies enlarge with time through media channels. Therefore, it means that modern media, particularly, social media disseminate information on different topics, consequently, expanding the belief system of people about other subject matters. Migrants using different online networking channels like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Twitter have access to all kinds of information regarding the latest policies and updates which is a key factor in shaping their beliefs about a certain society (Dekker et al., 2018: 6). Their positive interaction9 with each other despite having different ethnic background incorporate positive opinions and behavioral reaction to any certain or uncertain policy. Jhoti (2021) explored no direct interaction between migrants and the British public, thereby, she suggests posting on social media may help depict migrants in a positive way that locals not only interact with the migrants but consider them as a part of the society.
Lastly, the media’s effects on values are considerably noticeable. The values such as human existence, civil or human rights, migrant rights, freedom, and equality are clarified by the media; for instance, highlighting these values by passing on the information to the public (Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur, 1976: 13). For example, human life should be given equal value irrespective of color, caste, nationality, and creed. With such precedents audience is able to formulate its value position. According to a report by the Council of Europe (2022), the media played a key role in disseminating the negative impact of migrants and refugees on society in 2015-16, hence, a hostile attitude was observed towards the migrants by the local people, thereby, it has been an important matter to jot down. Such is the relevant literature about public attitudes and opinions persuaded by media coverage of migrants.
The literature found showed that public sentiments are affected which causes behavioral and attitudinal change toward migrants (Blinder & Jeannet, 2018; Boomgaarden & Song, 2019; Boomgaarden & Vliegenthart, 2009; McLaren et al., 2018). To support migrants' rights, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) held two conferences in 2018 (International Justice Resource Center, 2018). Media coverage of fundamental human values prioritizes the cognitive effect on people in every possible way. Danilova (2014) addressed the “ Eight point action agenda adopted in the UN high-level dialogue on international migration and development in 2013.” She highlights one of the points that describe the role of social media in information and awareness campaigns to combat xenophobic behavior, and change public perception about accepting migrants in society.
3.1.2. Affective
Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur (1976) stated that the emotional reactions of the public to media messages are not well investigated. The authors hypothesized that the more people are reliant on media regarding violent incidents, the more de-sensitized they get. However, it may have adverse effects, for instance in such cases, people are reluctant to help each other. It happens because the real violent incident may have triggered fear in people, resultantly, their level of anxiety does not let them help people within their reach; which is an affective impact of social media. In the modern world, people watch videos on social media channels that portray real-life experiences and some of them may be based on true stories, conversely, people making videos are dependent on social media, therefore, they leave an adverse effect on people who are watching their content because they start acting like them; for example, action or thriller movies. Also, we can connect affective effects with previous sub-types of cognitive effects; wherein media would be a key player in discerning the behavior, attitude change, values, and beliefs of local people (Council of Europe, 2022).
Another effect that media have is on morale and arising alienation. Today, everyone using social media is a content creator and uses freedom of expression by writing or posting something; which means more likes high self-esteem, and high confidence, and those who do not get enough likes feel socially alienated (Kelley, 2016; Susarla et al., 2012). Ball- Rokeach and DeFleur argue that effective communication is the only way to broaden social relations whether it happens in real life or on social media. On the contrary, people who spend a large chunk of time on social media and only rely on information from social media, and do not socialize; experience alienation, therefore, He & Liu (2021) call it “social fatigue”.
3.1.3. Behavioral
Social media influence beliefs, values, and behavior of people which are essentially significant in appealing to people, though, their actions are not covert but overt. Therefore, they tend to behave in two ways; Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur (1976: 16-18) call it activation and deactivation. Activation behavior is when people respond, act, or behave in a way that they generally would not have done so. For instance, students follow their friends to study a specific subject or go abroad because a student’s friend is from a certain country (Quora, 2022). In this situation, a friend connected by social media platform(s) gets influenced by the photos, and the standard of life may impress or force him to decide to go abroad. As far as deactivation is concerned, it is otherwise the activation. People tend not to behave and do not respond to the media messages that they in general would have done so or reacted to. For example, responding to a protest calling for changing migration policies or climate emergency. More often, in developing countries general public does not pay heed to migration or climate issues, hence, they neither participate nor respond to news media considering it as their least interesting subject matter.
Several authors have postulated the role of media dependency theory and its effects on the public. A study conducted by Jung (2017) reveals a relationship between society, media, and individuals. The public revolves around media information, thus, is also aware and adaptive to new channels of online communication. Jung also explains the vital importance of media dependency theory and its relevance with media to understand fluctuating societal behavior (ibid). Ha et al (2013: 11) held a comparative study between the general public, college students, and their dependency on social media. Their study found that students are more prone to be dependent on social media. Young people preferred to use social networking sites or online media as it is more likely to be convenient and easy to use. Another study by Hwang & Kim (2015: 485) shows that social media not only bridges the social capital among users but this study also revealed a higher probability of social media users’ intention to participate in social movements.
Flanagin & Metzger (2001: 171) found that people use online media the same way they use customary media (newspapers, news, cable, TV, or radio). Their findings were extended by Dutta-Bergman (2004: 55-58), the author included topics in his study such as politics, migration, sports, health, etc., which were being looked over on traditional media, and the same themes were also explored online, thereby, people preferred online media over traditional media to access the required information. Also, there have been other studies to understand, explore, and examine the behavior of professors and students’ dependency on media (George et al., 2006). Of 100 respondents, 48 percent of respondents ideally chose internet usage because participants viewed the internet as a fast, easy to use, and conveniently powerful searching tool (ibid: 10). Identically, a study by Mehrad & Yousefi (2018: 9) included Libyan students’ dependency on online media to access information which revealed 52 percent students prefer the internet to collect the information. They registered a highly correlated association between online media and student dependency on accessing all kinds of information.
The application of Media dependency theory is categorized into two levels Micro level and Macro level (Ball-Rokeach, 1985; Cho, 2009: 12). Micro level construes the extent of an individual’s reliance on media systems. In individual media system dependency (IMSD), the motivation and goals of individuals are assessed that coerce them to use media channels. Ball-Rokeach (1985: 494) rather used the term “goals” instead of “needs”. So, their goals are aroused by enthusiasm and inspiration from media which follow irrational and rational behavior; by which individuals are more likely to solve their problems by complying with dependence on media. On the other hand, the Macro level is more applicable to the social group, institutions, organizations, etc. The media’s influence on a larger group or public is examined at a macro level. Society, media, and audience are interdependent on each other, the type of sources distributed to a group of people are also examined along with the effects (Cho, 2009: 12).
A blog known as Communicationtheory.org (2012) explained the proportionality of media dependence on individuals, society, and active audiences. The author(s) in a blog explain(s) the degree of reliance of individuals, society, and audiences on different media. The media is well-known for its individual(s)’ needs. An individual is more inclined to depend on media; when he/she is getting content of his/her choice and interests. On a societal level, the audiences consider their belief and rational/irrational behavior during conflicts, elections or migrant crises, etc., that enforce them or have a great impact to alter their decisions. Apparently, society’s reliance on media augments in such critical times because they constantly require media to keep updating them with the latest information and updates (ibid). In conclusion, the audience is assumed to be active all the time, thereby, they know the information they require. The audience selects the media channels based on their interests, for instance, culture, food, economy, society, etc. Their dependence on media is directly proportional to the information being reported whether the target is an individual, society, or a large audience. Generally, the audience is, per se, always active to get desired information through various channels regardless of communication channels (ibid).
Research shows, the more people are reliant on social media, the more they get addicted to it (Wang et al., 2015: 46). According to the authors, they adopted cognitive- affective-behavioral models of media to understand and get an insight into psychological implications. People’s intrinsic needs are satisfied by the constant use of social media as per the findings; they start considering it irreplaceable (ibid). The current study is highly reliant on the usage of social media by Pakistani students. In the modern world, everyone is aware of social networking channels in different contexts such as for entertainment, studying, getting information, and updating about current affairs in the world. As per the preferences, purpose, and influence of social media use, some may choose to study and migrate to a specific country, by and large. Students clarify their ambiguities on social media by communicating with other people in their destination country. Their behavioral changes are well-noticed while they struggle to cope with foreign rules and regulations. In the context of this study, these are a few explanations to the extent that could be applicable to the media dependency theory and the cognitive, affective, and behavioral effects of media.
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4.1. Research Design
In research design, the researcher adopts a strategy to validate the accuracy and relevancy of the research questions. The researcher determines the study design he aims to use concerning the procedures of data collection, respondents’ selection, and the means of data analysis. The book “Research Methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (Kumar, 2011)” briefly explained the research design as;
“A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in the procedure (Kumar, 2011: 96).”
The research design is a significant part of every study. In the present study, the researcher is employing quantitative and qualitative (Mixed) research methodologies to collect the data. The research design is descriptive that uses both primary and secondary data. In descriptive research, data collected by the researcher analyzes the commonalities, preferences, differences, characteristics, and practices of the respondents. A descriptive research method is favorable for different sizes of populations and different topics such as questionnaires and interviews seeking information (Dulock, 1993: 155). The purpose of the descriptive mixed method is not only to combine quantitative and qualitative components to build up and develop the conclusion of a study but also participating in literature (Schoonenboom & Johnson, 2017: 110).
A mixed descriptive research method is used, as primary data, to collect information related to research questions and the current topic of this study. The researcher conducted a survey based on a set of questionnaires; which was digitally disseminated to the targeted population via Facebook and WhatsApp groups. In addition to the questionnaire survey, qualitative semi-structured interviews were also held to determine the correlation between data gathered through surveys and interviews. The interviews, in a research method, assist the researcher to get detailed opinions, perceptions, and ideas of the participants on the topic being studied. Primary data is exclusively exceptional because the researcher gathers the data through various means - in this study questionnaires and semi-structured interviews -, whereas, secondary data is someone else’s work in form of books, journals, articles, and institutional data in the past. The secondary data is already added to the literature review. For a better understanding, let’s explore how research instruments are being exercised in this study. The next phase in this study is the instrumentation and collection of data.
4.2. Instrumentation
There have been only two research instruments commissioned in this study. Online survey via questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The researcher explained the purpose of the study to participants in a survey questionnaire and during semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire and interview guides, for this study, are dispersed digitally on different Facebook and WhatsApp groups. The respondents’ privacy was assured before asking for their consent to participate in the present study. The ethical consideration is also explained separately in another section. The participants for this study are students from all over Germany, therefore, the electronic survey is a feasible and convenient way of approaching the maximum population. In addition, coming to the semi-structured interviews, a separate interview guide was sent to those students who agreed to participate in digital face- to-face interviews. The researcher utilized a digital platform “Zoom” because the interviewees are participating from different regions and cities in Germany, thereby, contacting the participants was feasible and cost-free. Thus, after interviews researcher can understand the role of social networking channels in students’ migration. How data is being collected for this study, is explained in the following section.
4.3. Data Collection and Sampling
As research instruments are discussed in the preceding section. This section elaborates on how data is collected. A set of questions is distributed in various Facebook and WhatsApp groups. A questionnaire survey consists of open-ended and close-ended questions10. A survey is shared via Google Forms weblink in certain “Facebook Groups.” These groups consist of the Pakistani community and are actively running. Following are group names11 where the researcher has shared the survey;
1. “Study and Life in Germany (For Pakistani students and community)” with 199,000 members.
2. “Study and Life in Germany (For Pakistanis)” with 25,000 members.
3. “Pakistani students in Germany” have 61,000 members.
4. “Pakistanis in Deutschland” contain 14,00012 group members.
5. “Pakistani Student Association”. Mostly known as PSA. The cities with potential Pakistani students have such association with the city names, i.e. PSA Berlin, PSA Munich, etc. The population for such groups varies according to the Pakistani students in their respective cities.
6. Other than Facebook groups, PSA groups, in every respected city, have also WhatsApp groups. The researcher asked the group members on Facebook to share the questionnaire within their corresponding social circles and also in WhatsApp PSA groups.
The quantitative methodology enables the researcher to get facts and figures conducted in a questionnaire survey, whereas, the qualitative methodology would emphasize elaborating the facts and answers through semi-structured interviews. Later on, research correlates them with the previous studies and literature review. The questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews comprise questions that comply with the research questions.
The researcher has targeted to get responses from a population of 500 Pakistani students through questionnaire surveys. The data set of 500 samples is approachable for the researcher, keeping in view current Pakistani students in Germany13. The second reason is the time frame of 6 months to write a Master’s thesis which is enough to reach a population sample of 500. The data is being collected from the students who are in Germany from 2010 to 2021, although, the students before 2010 (if any) were also requested to fill out the questionnaire survey. The students who came to Germany before 2010 would have diverse stories that would facilitate the researcher to diagnose their current progress in Germany. The date of birth of respondents is asked to distinguish the responses and to avoid repetitions of answers. The survey questionnaire is segregated into three sections; section 1 consists of questions about migration, section 2 seeks answers about the role of social media, and 3rd section includes demographic questions. Further, demographic questions are kept in the last section to develop the interest of participants in the questions.
During the course of collecting quantitative data via questionnaire survey, the researcher approached the groups on social media platforms to interview participants; who showed their interest in the study. The interview respondents were from different cities in Germany, therefore, semi-structured interviews are held online via the Zoom platform. The purpose of conducting the interviews. emphasizes the facts and figures, that are collected through a questionnaire survey. Semi-structured interviews also allowed the researcher to have a true and meaningful discussion. The interviews also enabled candidates to share more detailed experiences, based on the interview guide handed over to them beforehand. The population for semi-structured interviews is set to 10 students. The results from the survey and interviews are later on analyzed to understand the empirical and theoretical studies.
4.4. Limitations of the Study
It is potentially significant in every study to restrict the discussion by imposing a set of possible limitations. The features of limitations of the study have a direct impact and influence the results and findings. The present study is, exclusively, limited to Pakistani students in Germany from 2010 until 2021. The researcher believes that collecting data for 2010-2021 is enough to reach a maximum population sample of 500. Due to the timeframe of 6 months and 80 pages to write a Master's thesis, the population is limited to 500. Moreover, students before 2010 (if any) were also requested to fill out the questionnaire survey. The purpose was to reach the students, who came to Germany before 2010, would assist the researcher to diagnose their current progress in Germany.
4.5. Ethical Consideration
Ethical considerations are to be taken into account in every research and a part of every study. The participants are free to opt-in or opt-out of the questionnaires at any time, which means it is voluntary participation. The participants in the questionnaires were informed that the study is, solely, for research purposes and their information is confidential. The names of the participants have not been asked in questionnaire surveys which keeps them anonymous, however, participants are requested to demonstrate their gender and age. The names of interview participants are also anonymized. Further, the study does not intend to harm anyone’s faith, belief, or culture and is not of the nature that might physically, psychologically, legally, and socially impact them. The researcher also sought permission and consent from each interviewee before recording the qualitative interviews. If any interviewee does not wish to be recorded, keynotes are to be taken during the interview. The recordings and notes are later transcribed by anonymizing their names and cities.
4.6. Survey Results
The researcher posted an online Google Form survey in the abovementioned14 Facebook groups. The survey questionnaires have three sections in total; 1. Questions about Migration to Germany; 2. Role of Social Media; 3. Demographic information. Moreover, Microsoft Excel was used for arranging the data sets, making graphs, pie charts, and tables, and analyzing the data. 500 participants answered the questionnaire survey. Following are the survey results.
The researcher is bringing forth the demographic questions in the first place because it would give readers a brief overview of the age, gender, regions in Pakistan, current residence status, and education level of the respondents. The first 6 questions are covering the demographics of respondents. The actual survey questions start from question number 7 and finish with the section about the role of social media. The researcher explained all the visual graphics for better understanding, despite their values having already been mentioned.
The ratio of gender specification and participation in the survey was very important for the researcher to ascertain the findings. 109 females took part in a survey that makes up 21.8% of the 500 population sample. The remaining 78.2% were male respondents. As per the researcher’s understanding, females are less prone to be active on social media as compared to males.
Q1: Gender of Respondents
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Q2: Age of Respondents
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The pie chart explains the age group of 500 respondents. The groups include 18-24, 25-30, 31-34, and 35-39. 84 percent of the respondents were aged between 25 and 30 as the majority of them came between the years 2016-2018 and 2019-2021. 8 percent of respondents belonged to the age group 31-34; 7 percent of the respondents belonged to the age group 17-24; and 1 percent from the age group 35-39.
Q3: Ratio of students coming from different regions of Pakistan15
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The ratio of students coming to Germany from Pakistan has been explicitly evident from the numbers mentioned in the map of Pakistan. The significant mass of students comes from the largest province of Pakistan by population, that is, Punjab which accounts for 174 students. The province also has one of the highest levels of literacy rate as compared to other provinces. It is followed by the second most populated province, Sindh, which accounts for 64 students. The third in the line is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) which is almost half (30) the Sindh by student ratio coming to Germany. Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan are 29, 14, and 2, respectively.
Q4: Education level of students
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This graph shows the education level of 500 respondents of Pakistani Origin currently residing in Germany. The major portion of students selected a Master’s as the highest education with the number 337, whereas, the second in line is Ph.D. with 130 pursuant. 25 respondents are doing Post-Doc. 7 and 1 respondent are recorded doing Bachelor's and High School, respectively.
Q5: Do students have more than one nationality?
Not a single student holds a second nationality. The reason includes that the major part of students has come between the years 2016 and 2018, and 2019 and 2021. To get permanent residence in Germany, it is crucial to reside in the country for at least 7-8 years as a taxpayer plus, one will have to revoke the other nationality to maintain his/her German nationality.
Since the conditions are tough enough to be complied with, therefore, it can be understood why anyone hasn’t managed to grab the other nationality.
Q6: Students' current residence status in Germany
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The residence status in the graph shows a fluctuating trend. The highest entails the temporary residence permit numbering 241 because as shown in the subsequent bar graph, most people came to Germany between the years 2016 and 2018, and 2019 and 2021. The same is the case with the second in line with a student visa, however, the submitted thesis stands at 126. So far, 85 people have managed to get permanent residence, 31 students are on a study visa, and 17 people are residing based on a work visa. Temporary residence status also comes together with a study visa and with those who have submitted a thesis are also issued temporary residence; combining these three statuses would enlarge the figure to 398. However, a work visa has its own requirements to be filled such as paying taxes until a specific amount of time to become eligible to apply for Permanent Residence or an EU Blue Card.
Q7: Students have been in Germany since
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The bar graph illustrates the responses of 500 Pakistani students in Germany. The data entails the response of the students from the years 2010 onwards because the study focuses on this specific period. 188 respondents out of 500 came between the years 2019 and 2021. 162 came in the year between 2016 and 2018. Whereas, 78 and 72 came in the year 2013-2015 and 2010-2012, respectively. The researcher registered an 8.33% of surge during 2010-2015, whereas, the number of students ascended by 107.7% during 2015-2018. On the other hand, more than a two-fold increase is noticed with 161.11% comparing 2010 to 2021 in this study.
Q8: Occupational Situation in Germany
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Regarding the occupational status in Germany, 319 students opted for currently studying in Germany, while 60 are working full time and 58 are partly employed. 45 respondents recorded themselves as unemployed in Germany. Since, international students are required to furnish proof of their financial substances with 10332 Euros for one year or 20664 Euros16 for 2 years, unless they are on a DAAD scholarship; they are less prone to work part-time during their studies. However, a student visa also grants the benefits of working 120 days full time and some seemed to have availed of this opportunity.
Q9: Occupational status in Pakistan before coming to Germany
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The bar shows the occupational status of 500 respondents in Pakistan before coming to Germany. Since the majority of the respondents came between the period 2016 and 2018, and 2019 and 2021, so, 320 out of 500 respondents’ occupational status is that they were still students. 104 respondents were of the view that they were unemployed and looking for a job in Pakistan. 71 respondents were working full-time with an employer before coming to Germany. 3 and 2 respondents, respectively were self-employed and working part-time with an employer before coming to Germany.
Q10: Satisfaction level after finishing studies in Pakistan
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The pie chart delineates the satisfaction level of 500 respondents after finishing their studies in Pakistan. The Likert scale stretches from 1 to 5 with 1 completely satisfied and 5 completely dissatisfied. Out of 500 respondents, 161 stood on a scale of 2 which explains that they showed just satisfaction after finishing their studies in Pakistan, whereas, 110 respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their future after finishing their studies in Pakistan. 83 people expressed complete satisfaction with their future, and 79 and 67 people didn’t know and showed complete dissatisfaction, respectively. The future satisfaction level of students is divided based on their education level and the struggling economy of a country which leaves the students startled and frustrated. Even students who chose complete/satisfaction also decided to come to Germany because of the better living and research-oriented environment.
Q11: Current occupational satisfaction level in Germany
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The bar shows the occupational satisfaction of Pakistanis currently residing in Germany involving a response of 500 people. Out of 500 respondents, 236 showed just satisfaction with their current occupational status, whereas, 140 respondents were completely satisfied. 56 respondents didn’t know their satisfaction level, while, 43 and 25 respondents showed dissatisfaction and complete dissatisfaction, respectively.
Q12: Knowledge of the German language
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The bar tends to explain the ratio of the level of Germanspeaking Pakistani students currently residing in Germany. It includes the response from 500 Pakistani people. Out of 500 respondents, 181 said they know only basic German language because 90 percent of the students come to Germany by opting for English-taught courses which do not require prior German language proficiency. 177 are intermediate in speaking because, with the passage of time, they learn. 88 respondents said, they don’t speak the German language, whereas, 54 respondents are fluent in speaking German because they might be living in Germany for a long time or have been learning it.
Q13: Have a German Friend or not?
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The table shows the percentage of Pakistani students in Germany having German friends. As can be seen, the table shows that 76.60 percent of the respondents answered that they have German friends. Whereas the remaining 23.40 percent opted for that they do not have any German friends. Having a German friend still does not assure that students would master the language, however, they might tend to learn a few words for daily use and can also get help in bureaucratic matters.
Q14: Voting right in Germany
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The bar chart illustrates the ratio of voting right in Germany for current Pakistani residents. So far, only 13 respondents have voting right in Germany. Whereas, 487 respondents out of 500 do not have voting right in Germany. The respondents who chose to have voting rights also marked themselves as living in Germany between 2010 and 2013, which means they are German citizens now. On the other hand, not all the respondents living in Germany from 2010-2015 chose to have voting rights.
Q15: Reasons for leaving Germany
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The responses to these questions were the most illustrious. The line-graph chart above shows the reasons why Pakistani students think they will have to leave Germany. As evident in the graph, 134 respondents opted that after their studies are completed, they will move out of Germany. 80 respondents said they will leave Germany if they get a job in their home country. 65 respondents said that they don’t want to leave Germany. 58 were of the view that if they don’t find a job, they might have to travel back to Pakistan. 51 didn’t have any reason to leave Germany. 42 respondents said, if they lose their jobs, they will have to go back. Not being able to live with parents was opted for by 29 respondents. 18 opted to be closer to their spouse. 16 said if they find a job in a different country. 5 respondents reasoned about higher taxes and 2 respondents said they will leave because of racism.
Q16: Where do students feel integrated now
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In which areas do you feel yourself integrated now in Germany? 500 responses
The bar chart above shows the response of 500 respondents asking what areas they feel integrated in Germany. Out of 500 respondents, 227 (45.4%) feel integrated with the German culture. The second in line is German weather, where 217 (43.4%) think they are integrated. 151 (30.2%) feel integrated considering the German language, whereas, 59 (11.8%) think of German regulations. Lastly, 79 respondents (15.8%) consider themselves integrated into all of the above-mentioned areas.
Q17: Recommending their city fo r
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What do you recommend your current city for? you may also check more than one boxes (for example any box+other) 500 responses
The bar chart shows the reasons why respondents will recommend their current resident city for. Out of 500 respondents, as many as 253 (50.6%) recommended their cities for living and studying. 124 (24.8%) recommended it for living and working; 121 (24.2%) opted for both the options mentioned above; and 75 (15%) recommended their cities for peace.
Q18: Which social media platforms did students use to get information about coming to Germany?
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What social media platform(s) did you use to get information for coming to Germany? You may select more than one options and can also add other platform(s) if you use other. 500 responses
Responses to this question were also distinctive. The bar chart above tends to show what social media platforms 500 respondents used to get information to come to Germany. 243 or 48.6% of respondents said Facebook was the main source of information to get to Germany. It was followed by WhatsApp which accounted for 215 responses or 43%. DAAD website stands third in line with 114 (22.8%) respondents opting for it. Instagram, Google, Twitter, and YouTube accounted for 93 (18.6%), 63 (12.6%), 61 (12.2%), and 13 (2.6%), respectively.
Q19: How often do students use Social Media?
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The bar chart shows the ratio of 500 respondents explaining how often they use social media in daily life. 286 (57.20%) respondents said they use social media several times a day. 160 (32%) of respondents said they use social media once a day. 53 respondents (10.6%) said they use social media once a week.
Q20: Purpose of Using Social Media
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The bar chart above tends to explain the purpose of using social media by the 500 respondents currently residing in Germany of Pakistani origin. 259 (51.8%) respondents said the purpose of using social media is to connect with friends and family back in Pakistan. 197 (39.4%) answered the purpose of using social media is mainly for education. 171 (34.2%) said they use it for entertainment purposes and 146 (29.2%) use social media to stay updated with daily developments and current affairs in the world.
Q21: Platform used by students to connect with family and friends in Germany and Pakistan.
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Participants tend to use several social media channels to connect with their family and friends, therefore, making the question distinctive. The bar chart illustrates the platforms that 500 respondents used to connect with family and friends in Germany and Pakistan. Almost half the respondents i.e. 240 (48%) said they use WhatsApp to connect to their friends and family in Germany and Pakistan. 232 (46.4%) said they use Facebook for connection. 127 (25.4%) opted for Instagram and 56 (11.2%) said they use Twitter to connect with their friends and family
Q22: Trusting information and content on Social Media regarding moving to Germany.
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The line graph sketches the level of trust in the information and content gathered from social media moving to Germany. The scale includes (1) complete trust, (2) trust, (3) neutral, (4) distrust, and (5) complete distrust. Out of 500 respondents, 174 showed their trust in the content and information they get on social media, whereas, 132 remained neutral considering the information they see on social media. 77 people showed complete trust in the content and information they get on social media regarding moving to Germany. 70 and 47 people showed distrust and complete distrust, respectively.
Q23: Further sharing the information with family and friends
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The pie chart shows the percentage of trust and further sharing the information with friends and family received on social media.
Out of 500 respondents, 46 percent said they completely agree with the statement that they trust and further share the information. 28 percent of the respondents said they just agree that they trust and share. 18 percent indicated neutrality in this regard, whereas, 6 percent and 5 percent disagreed and completely disagreed that they trust and share the information, respectively.
Q24: Role of social media in coming to Germany
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The pie chart sketches the role of social media played in the migration process of 500 respondents. The scale included options very helpful, helpful, not helpful, and don’t know. Half the respondents opted for the option that social media helped them to come to Germany with 48 percent. Slightly more than a quarter -27 percent - found it very helpful that social media played a vital role to come to Germany. 14 percent of respondents were of the view that they don’t know whether social media was of any use to come to Germany and 11 percent didn’t find social media helpful at all.
Q25: Discussing and resolving immigration-related issues on social media
Social Media Role To Discuss And Solve Immigration Related Problems
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The bar chart above illustrates the role of social media to discuss and solve immigration- related problems considering 500 respondents. 232 of 500 respondents agreed that social media played a vital role in solving immigration-related queries. 208 respondents strongly agreed that social media played a crucial role in discussing and solving immigration-related issues. Apart from this, 33, 20, and 7 respondents remained neutral and showed disagreement, and strong disagreement in this regard, respectively.
Q26: Social media helps to participate in German society
The graph shows the response from 500 people in considering the role of social media to participate in German society. 236 out of 500 said that they strongly agree with the statement, whereas, 160 just agreed. 56 people expressed that they don’t know. 23 and 22 people said they disagree and strongly disagree that social media played a role to participate in German society, respectively
Role of Social Media to Participate in German Society
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Q27: Using Pakistani communal groups on social media to get information and discuss problems
Using Pakistani groups on social media to get the information about migration and discuss challenges faced in Germany
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Out of 500 respondents about using Pakistani communal groups on social media to get information about migration and discussion of challenges faced in Germany, 200 respondents strongly agreed that communal groups helped them get the intended and required information. 159 respondents just agreed, 26 respondents opted for don’t know, 61 respondents disagreed with the above statement, and 54 people strongly disagreed that Pakistani communal groups didn’t help them in any way.
Q28: Social media is feasible to mobilize and transfer the knowledge and information regarding study in Germany
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The line graph chart clearly illustrates the upward trend and percentage of students agreeing to what extent social media played a crucial role in mobilizing and transferring knowledge and information to study in Germany. The respondents were given 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% choices to opt from. The graph entails the response of 500 students, out of which 318 people agreed 100 percent with the statement, while, 132 students agreed with 75%, 42 students voted 50% in favor of the statement, and 8 people voted that 25% of social media helped regarding study in Germany.
Q29: German states Pakistani students have participated from17
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The above map of Germany shows the number of total respondents currently residing in the German states. The highest number of Pakistani students participated in the survey from North-Rhine Westphalia with 148, followed by Baden-Wurttemberg with 93 students. The state of Hessen came in 3rd with 80 respondents that were followed by Berlin with 56 participants. Next in line were Thuringia, Bavaria, Rhineland-Pfalz, and Hamburg with 28, 24, 18, and 13 participants, respectively. 6 participants in total contributed from Saxony- Anhalt and Saxony; 3 each.
4.7. Interview Results
The researcher selected 10 random interviewees from Facebook community groups and shared an interview guide with them. The interview guide presented an overview of what is going to be asked. The researcher requested participants, interested in interviews, for allocated appointment time slots at their availability. Interviews were conducted through the online meeting platform “Zoom” because the respondents were from different cities in Germany. After conducting the interviews, the researcher saved the video recordings and transcriptions on Google drive. Precise abstracts of the transcribed interviews are as follows;
All interviews started with greetings and finished with a thank you note. The researcher informed participants about the research project. The researcher also sought the consent of interviewees before recording interviews. On the whole, all interviewees agreed for recording them in zoom meetings.
Interview 1
Interviewee 1 came to Germany as a student and he is finishing his Master’s degree. He is satisfied with his decision to come to Germany; he explained “After coming to Germany, I found that most of our educational institutions in Pakistan are not focusing on the real technologies and that’s my personal experience but it depends upon the different institutes as well, I guess. I realized that we need to be more focused on the practical side as well than theoretical.” He further told that he wanted to pursue higher studies in Pakistan, however, theoretical studies are more prone to be taught in Pakistan rather than practical studies. Therefore, he posted in Facebook community groups. In the comment section on Facebook posts, a person (unknown to him but from the Pakistani community) answered his few questions in a Facebook group “Study and Life in Germany for Pakistani Students”. Due to that post; he opines, that he is in Germany. His struggle in the migration process started from booking an appointment with the German Embassy in Pakistan to registering his address in Germany; which is then followed by a language barrier because of his residence in a smaller city. He considers the German language a crucial key to integration.
Dekker and Engerbsen (2013: 7) narrated that social media is a powerful tool for gathering interactive facts and figures where people are permitted to share their practical real-life instances. The interviewee stated, “through such groups, people share their daily experiences for example they invite (community) people for travelling on a certain day or share their food experience.” On the other hand, he talked about a concern that online communities also dwell in heated arguments sometimes. Dekker and Engerbsen (2013: 7) also wrote that misinformation could also be spread by migrants which can be alarming and misleading for prospective migrants. Due to the rising misinformation and fake news, the interviewee now verifies the authenticity of any information before sharing it among his social circle. He further added that Pakistani groups are vital to him. He had not known about those groups before and he visited consultants. Such groups have enabled him to save a hefty amount that he would have given to consultants. A point of concern raised by the interviewee was; Family reunion visa takes a lot of time, therefore, married couples apply for a study visa and come to Germany together. The embassy should also do something to reduce the timeconsuming procedure for married couples.
Interview 2
Interviewee 2 came to Germany on a student visa in 2022. Despite being satisfied with his decision, he expressed concerns about the ongoing economic recession which is challenging for him. As per the interviewee’s comment, “One of my friends came to Germany and he persuaded me that you should come to Germany for higher studies”. Such a statement is a fine illustration of the behavioral effect of media dependency elaborated by Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur (1976); further, it has also been discussed on the Quora Platform that students follow their friends who study abroad or friends who are going abroad (Quora, 2022). Secondly, the interviewee wanted his father’s dream of doing a Master’s degree to come true, thus, would upgrade his career in terms of finances. He commented about getting a student visa almost takes 2 years from Pakistan. In this regard, the German embassy in Pakistan has to take measures. He also criticized German universities' websites in the German language despite offering courses in the English language.
Living in Germany for 2 years, interviewee 2 still does not consider himself integrated into German society because of having no German language skills. He pointed out, he lives in a small town; where he thinks that the German language is crucial. Though he is not a frequent social media user, still he used/uses Pakistani groups on Facebook to get information and get his problems solved. He justified the problems as when he gets an official letter in the German language; he seeks help for translation in groups etc. Talking about trusting the content on social media, he commented, he verifies the information before further sharing it. Thus, proving Dekker and Engerbsen (2013) that misinformation or misleading content could also put migrants at risk. He calls such groups “collateral life-savers” (Solving the same problems encountered by different people in different cities). He added, the community helps actively because he was picked up from a train station on his first day in Germany. He suggested, the German embassy should fasten the visa process for married couples since it is a timeconsuming process and sometimes their marriages are on the verge of getting dissolved (separated/divorced).
Interview 3
The interviewee has been in Germany since 2018 and he has finished his Master’s degree. The interviewee was confident and satisfied with his decision to migrate to Germany. The researcher found that the interviewee followed in the footsteps of his friends to come to Germany who told him about life and living standards and education quality in Germany; students are influenced by their friends who are studying abroad (Quora, 2022). In addition, Granovetter (1973) elucidated that emigrants tend to migrate to a country where they already have someone, thereby, can easily gather information through social media. The interviewee had a language barrier, and secondly, cultural differences issues in Germany. He highlighted the importance of language as a key factor to integrate into society. He is a regular social media user. He uses social media for several purposes such as for information, entertainment, and to remain in contact with his family and friends. However, he does not feel comfortable sharing the information on social media because of misinformation or fake content. Further, he pointed out that he sought all information regarding studying in Germany from his friends who came to Germany before him (Granovetter, 1973).
Moreover, the interviewee also talked about Facebook groups; from where he sought help during his early days in Germany. Kim (2008: 507) in his study posited that initial challenges during the integrating process in a new country are mitigated because migrants establish connections on social media. Furthermore, the interviewee did not post anything on Facebook groups. According to him, the problems he faced were common as he excavated them through Facebook groups; he found that similar problems were discussed before with suggestions in comment sections by group members. The interviewee suggested using a search bar in the groups would be helpful for students for their relevant queries. By using keywords, they will be able to find the answer to their problem if someone is looking for an immediate solution. He further discussed that people might be using other popular social media platforms for information such as TikTok to share study-related content. Recently, the researcher came across a social media post on TikTok18, where a Pakistani activist in Germany was explaining Visa types in Germany.
Interview 4
Interviewee 4 came to Germany in 2017 for a Master’s degree and now doing his Ph.D. He talked about the current economic turmoil in Pakistan, therefore, he is now of the opinion that his decision to come to Germany is adequate. On asking a question about the factor that pushed him to come to Germany, he answered “ In Pakistan, you do not have really good institutes in terms of teaching economics. Because I am a student of economics, I wanted to study at a globally well-renowned institution. When I looked into some well-known institutes across the globe, they were charging high education fees and so on. So, Germany was the cheapest option and also in terms of quality of education and research ”. Sajjad (2011: 40) also advocated that quality education and quality research are parallel to each other. The interviewee ranked study structure, cultural differences, and language barrier biggest challenges for him. He is now able to embrace a conversation in the German language, which is the reason, he has many German friends that make him consider a part of German society.
Interviewee 4 spends one to two hours daily on social media, particularly, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Reddit to connect with his friends and family. He barely shares information on social media unless it comes from authentic sources. According to him, he never used social media channels to get information about studying in Germany. He rather looked over the official website of the German consulate in Pakistan. He also pointed out that comment sections on Facebook Communal groups are of utmost significance. One can easily extract relevant information because “ chances are high that someone would already have been in the same situation in Germany regardless of the time ”. The community people are always open and available to answer and help each other. He calls it “free consultancy.”
Interview 5
The interviewee came to Germany in 2021. He is a student for a Master’s in Economic Policy. He expressed 80% satisfaction with his decision to come to Germany. Upon asking what 20% is missing, to which he replied, the language barrier because he would feel integrated if he knew the German language. The interviewee chose to study in Germany because of no tuition fee, secondly, he was unemployed in Pakistan which pushed him to leave Pakistan. Askari (2008) also wrote that the poor economic situation of a country results in push factors that force people to leave their home country. According to the interviewee, the German embassy in Pakistan took 2 years to issue him a visa appointment, after that due to Covid-19, the foreign exchange rate also rose sky-high. The interviewee said that officers at Foreigner’s office/city hall are impolite and ignorant. He added, “ When I went to the Rathaus (foreigner’s office/city hall) for an appointment, it took me almost 2 months and they were very rude because we were new students and they only talk in German. ”.
He uses social media, particularly, Facebook and WhatsApp every day. He does not trust and shares the information unless he validates it from different sources. Referring to Hutchinson (2021), if the information and content are misleading people tend to question the authenticity of social media and they seek more sources to verify the originality of such content. The interviewee uses social media to get current affairs updates and for entertainment. He considers Pakistani communal groups on Facebook very helpful as they helped him from coming from Pakistan to Germany. After visiting several consultants in Pakistan, in the end, he got to know about community groups on Facebook. Facebook groups assisted him in gathering information about the student visa process. During the interview, the researcher found that the community is actively hospitable towards new students and they even pick up students from airports or train stations. Additionally, the interviewee shared that such communities also motivate and boost the confidence of new students which consequently helps them cope with homesickness.
Interview 6
Interviewee 6 came to Germany in 2018 as a student. He expressed contentment with his decision to come to Germany. Referring to several studies held by (Eacott and Sonn, 2006: Askari, 2008), wherein authors describe the poor economic situation of a country may result in emigration. Considering the literary fact, the interviewee was mainly concerned about unemployment in Pakistan and, secondly, his father lived in Germany in the 1980s which inspired him to come to Germany. The interviewee highlighted complex bureaucracy, weather, and language barrier problems in his early days in Germany. The researcher learned about such challenges as “collective encounters” for all incoming Pakistani students. He further admitted to having only one German friend - with whom he talks in English. He does not feel integrated. Social media was a significant key player for interviewee 6 to overcome initial hurdles in Germany. In his words “ Social media has helped me because when I see some vlogs on YouTube about city registration, what are the dos and don’ts in Germany, it seems helpful in that sense ”.
A study conducted by Aichner et al (2021: 216) disclosed that students regularly use social media to communicate with their friends and families. Interviewee 6 is also a regular user of social media and he uses it for various purposes; to connect with family and friends. According to him, he is also a member of online communal groups. He says, he got to know about various Pakistani Groups on Facebook through YouTube19. The interviewee collected all the information to come to Germany via Facebook groups as he was actively following relevant posts and comments sections. The community further assisted him in finding accommodation and gives clues to students, for example, “in his case booking visa appointment.” The community networks also assist in finding accommodation when they arrive in the destination country which Haug (2008) termed tangible assistance. The researcher found that earlier Pakistanis living in Germany had also impacted the decision of the present-day generation in migration; which is basically due to economic influence.
Interview 7
Interviewee 7 came to Germany as a Master’s student. He has now a job search visa20. He decided to get higher education in Germany because of its quality education in scientific research. He did not have enough laboratories and opportunities for conducting tests and practical work in Pakistan. This is the reason, he feels satisfied with his decision to move to Germany. Sajjad (2011: 38) also argued that youth having limited work opportunities or no personal growth at work, and poor economic growth are subjected to push factors. Eacott and Sonn (2006) said youth is enforced to migrate when they do not have enough opportunities in their country and they foresee broader opportunities abroad. Apart from the language and culture, the interviewee had a hard time coping with a completely different educational environment. As a chemistry student, he told a reason for not learning the German language because in certain fields in Germany for example, IT, computer science, chemistry, physics, etc., employers look for certain skills, and the German language is not their primary criteria to select a candidate. Secondly, international students’ medium of instruction is the English language which is another reason for not fully concentrating on learning a new language.
The significance of social media’s assistance for migrants in retaining their connection with their families has been discovered by Alencar (2018). The interviewee uses Facebook and WhatsApp to connect to his family and friends, additionally, LinkedIn for searching for jobs. As a science student, he added that he looks for credible sources for the information that he collects from social media unless the content is for entertainment. He further added that his friends in Germany helped him during the visa process from Pakistan (whom he knew from Pakistan), after coming to Germany, the Pakistani student Association and Bazm-e-Berlin21 were helping him. Such groups on social media play a role as a community help-out. Even if a student is living in another city, these student associations would help him because of identical issues being faced. If a friend(s) moves abroad he would probably be guiding his other friends - (communication channels influencing the perceptions of potential migrants 22 ). Migrants also tend to gather information from their acquaintances and make new connections through social media (Granovetter, 1973). The interviewee suggested students shall improve their scientific writing skills in Pakistan because of the tough competition and to stand out in a crowd. The German Embassy in Pakistan shall also upgrade its appointment system as students face longer waiting-period. The students have to wait for a year or more for a study visa appointment, which puts their time at stake.
Interview 8
Interviewee 8 was the only female participant who agreed to share her experience in the present study. She has been in Germany for the past 7 months and she has been facing a lot of challenges. As per her remarks “She has to do everything on her own in Germany while in Pakistan her guardian used to work on her behalf.” Language (communication gap), bureaucracy, and finding accommodation were the biggest initial challenges for her. She feels fully satisfied with her decision. Zero tuition fees and future work opportunities in Germany were the reasons that pushed her to move to Germany. The element of cultural differences for not being able to integrate into society was noted by the researcher. As per the interviewee's comments, she does have foreign friends (who are also female) but there are some “ silver linings ” where she does not feel fit with them. Such silver linings are cultural and religious differences.
Coming from Pakistan till arriving in Germany, social media channels were the source of information for her such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. According to her, she watches YouTube reality-based videos where people share their experiences. Moreover, she scrolls Pakistani Facebook Groups to look over new posts for her learning. This way she got the information from those groups to cope with bureaucratic formalities. Referring to the studies of different authors (Haug, 2008; Granovetter, 1973), the interviewee got help from her Pakistani friend in Germany from getting admission to the visa process. Social media has become a communal platform that helps not only migrants but everyone, in general, establishes connections around the world, and shares information (McGregor and Siegel, 2013). She expressed no trust in information gathering from social media, however, she trusts the information being shared by community groups on Facebook. She explained, “if my friends from Germany or Georgia would share some piece of information with me, I would be like; it could be true or false. But the information coming from our own community would be considered genuine.”
Interview 9
Interviewee 9 is a full-time employee. He moved to Italy from Pakistan and then from Italy to Germany as a student. He expressed satisfaction with his overall decision in choosing Germany over Italy. Alike other interviewees, he also faced language and bureaucracy challenges in the beginning. Germany’s economic system, free education, and better lifestyle were the pull factors for him. Sajjad (2011: 40) stated in her paper that research-based education, post-job incentives such as a pension, human rights, a better lifestyle, and a career with high income are the pull factors for migrants. The interviewee still opines that cultural differences, bureaucracy, and language barriers are the elements of not being able to feel fully integrated.
He is a constant social media user, however, he does not share and trust the information on social media. Alike, he has not used any help regarding visa information from social media platforms but rather used the internet. Moreover, to understand the new German society, the interviewee used certain Facebook groups several times. His comments about Pakistani groups on Facebook were; “ we “Pakistanis” face similar problems. So when somebody faces a problem, that person posts it on the Facebook group. We, then, get to know what the problem is and what the solutions to that are because people already have faced such problems so we know the solutions ”. Considering the comments, he finds Pakistani groups very supportive. Therefore, he did not post anything regarding the issues because, according to him, the issues he faced had already been discussed in those groups quite a lot of times.
Interview 10
Interviewee 10 was a Chemistry student and now looking for a job / Ph.D. The interviewee changed his university in Germany and moved to a bigger city for studying. During his interview, he expressed confidence in his decision to come to Germany because of the experiences that he multiplied. Additionally, the interviewee also expressed satisfaction due to his choice of education and working field. He changed his city and university after living in a smaller city for 6 months. He illustrated disinterest in the work he was doing in Pakistan.
As highlighted by the interviewee, this means that students after graduation would do any job in Pakistan where they feel fit23. After coming to Germany, he sought his dreams back on track. While he was in Pakistan, he sought guidance about studies and culture from a professor in Germany. He did not have enough laboratories for conducting tests and practical work in Pakistan. He had faced difficulties in commuting to his destination city after landing in Germany, therefore he suggested, universities should make a guidebook for international students about traveling to destination cities. The second biggest challenge for him was the language barrier. The researcher found that metropolitan/bigger cities with large and diverse populations make students' life a lot easier as compared to smaller cities, resultantly, the language barrier, to the extent, is eliminated in bigger cities.
Cultural shocks made it hard for the interviewee to integrate into a new society. Now, he feels himself a part of German society by adopting the necessary qualities of society and keeping his own cultural and religious norms and values in parallel. The interviewee further stated that social media did not help him. Rather a German professor at one of the universities in Vienna and a friend in Germany did help him. The interviewee would have been in contact with the professor and friends through online media channels. The interviewee stated that the Pakistani Student Association assisted him in Germany. He does not completely trust the information he gets from social media and cross-checks it through various sources. He shared his issues in community groups on social media, particularly, Facebook. According to McGregor and Siegel (2013), social media has become a communal platform that helps not only migrants but everyone, in general, establishes connections around the world, and shares information.
CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
The researcher is privileged to share findings of the survey and interviews that not only corroborate the literature review but also address the research questions as well. The outcomes of surveys and interviews have proved a remarkable correlation between social media and the migration of Pakistani students. The study examined the Pakistani students’ reliability on social media to get information about coming to Germany, which social media platforms they used to get the information for migration, and what information they sought. Further, the study explored the role of Pakistani community groups on social media for students in Germany. 75% of respondents24 in the survey agreed in favor of social media platforms helping them come to Germany. It has also been found that 408 participants25 agreed that their immigration-related questions were resolved through social media platforms - individuals are more likely to get their problems resolved by complying with dependence on media Ball-Rokeach (1985: 494)...; 359 participants26 used Pakistani communal groups on social media to get information about migration and discussed challenges faced in Germany. Students ask their questions by posting in Pakistani groups on Facebook. The comment sections offer members of the respective groups to write their opinions and experiences. During qualitative interviews, participants also mentioned that there are chances that someone would have already been in the same situation in Germany so they just utilized the search bar/option by entering keywords and finding relevant information.
In (Q: 28), 318 people agreed 100 percent with the statement that social media plays a crucial role in mobilizing and transferring knowledge and information to study in Germany; 132 students agreed with 75% and 42 students voted 50% regarding the feasibility of mobilizing and transferring the knowledge through social media. According to 396 students,27 social media helps them to learn about German society, hence, enabling them to participate in society. Cho (2009: 12) corroborated the fact that media, society, and the audience are interdependent. Students search on social media regarding national holidays, events, rules, policies, regulations, and the culture of German society to understand the existence of the respective event. The cognitive impact of the belief system in media dependency theory enlightens that people extend their knowledge and beliefs about foreign societies through media channels (Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur, 1976: 12-13). When asked a question about integration in Germany during interviews, respondents replied, since their studies are in the English language and they interact only with English-speaking people from their courses and their community; it is the point that disintegrates them from German society. Secondly, cultural differences were also the reasons for not integrating into German society. Cultural differences include religious differences, and different societal values and norms. Thirdly, the researcher found that students living in big cities expressed more satisfaction regarding participating in society due to the vibrant and diverse environment around them. On the contrary, students in smaller cities, according to them, are forced to speak the German language because of fewer English-speaking opportunities.
The researcher found an interesting fact that earlier Pakistanis28 living in Germany had also impacted the decision of the present-day generation in migration, which is fundamentally due to economic influence. Moreover, some students followed in their friends’ footsteps to come to Germany. In this case, they sought maximum information regarding migration from their friends and Embassy website, contrarily asked sometimes from online communities as well. Quality education, scientific and practical research opportunities, zero tuition fees, future security, rights, and freedom, and Germany’s economy and advanced technology were inspiring factors for the students to select Germany as a destination country. The importance of passing the information by media and pull factors were stated before by several authors (Sajjad, 2011: 40; Ball-Rokeach and DeFleur, 1976: 13), this study also found that media was a resourceful actor in gathering bits and bytes for students. With all being said, students seemed economically satisfied, however, they do not express themselves as being socially integrated in Germany.
The study included a question about trusting social media, 50.2% of respondents29 turned out to be trusting the content they come across on social media. 26.4% or 132 participants remained neutral on this question. However, on the other hand, survey responses and qualitative interview results regarding trust levels in social media content and information contradict each other. The interviews supported the researcher to understand the fact of such contradiction. As per the interviewees, they do not completely trust the information and content on social media because of counterfeit and fake information, however, they expressed complete trust in the information they seek from community groups.
Surveys and interviews showed that Facebook and WhatsApp are the most popular social media channels among students to connect with family and friends. YouTube, DAAD website, Google, Twitter, and Instagram have also been useful to students. Facebook community groups are the largest platforms for not only gathering resourceful visa-related information but also real-life experiences and solutions to problems in a foreign country. It has also been found that 57.20% of students use such platforms several times a day. Social media community groups, in particular, Pakistani community groups on Facebook helped (88%) of students with their queries related to coming and studying in Germany by complying with their dependence on media (Ball-Rokeach, 1985: 494). Further 71.8% also got their problems resolved during their early period in Germany, which has exactly been validated by responses during qualitative interviews. Most interviewees stated that community members share their life experiences on daily basis on Facebook groups which students also find helpful. Community members also actively help students and are hospitable to them, for example, picking up from train stations or airports, offering them accommodation, assisting them in understanding bureaucratic matters, motivate and boosting confidence that helps students to overcome homesickness; if anyone plans to travel, they post in groups for the sake of seeking suggestion and gathering more people and so on.
Facts and Figures of findings from Google survey and qualitative interviews;
1. 78.2% and 90% of males participated in the questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews, respectively. Living and coming from a patriarchal society women’s ratio on social media is less recorded. 1 female participated in the qualitative interview and 109 females took part in the Google survey.
2. All Respondents in qualitative interviews came as students and recorded their arrival in Germany from 2016 to 2022. During the questionnaire survey, a significant number of students 350 also selected the same years for their arrival in Germany. The participants were given a choice to select the highest level of education. 337 students have a Master’s education, whereas, the second in line is Ph.D. with 130, and. 25 respondents doing PostDoc.
3. Participants in qualitative interviews expressed satisfaction with their decision to come to Germany. Future occupational satisfaction in Pakistan was 48.8% and current occupational satisfaction in Germany is 75.2%. On the other hand, 35.4 percent of students were dissatisfied with their future opportunities in Pakistan, which significantly dropped to 13.6 percent while they are in Germany30.
4. The findings of the current study reveal that Punjab province in Pakistan is the largest contributor of (174) students to Germany. Sindh accounts for 64 students, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as 30. Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are 29, 14, and 2, respectively. On the other hand, North-Rhine Westphalia is, by far, the largest host of (148) Pakistani students. Baden-Wurttemberg 93, Hessen 80, Berlin 56, Thuringia, Bavaria, Rhineland-Pfalz, Hamburg with 28, 24, 18, and 13 students, respectively. Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony; 3 and 6 in total, the study showed.
5. Students, who are currently enrolled and those who have submitted their thesis, are also issued temporary residence, therefore, combining the figures who opted for temporary residence reached 398. After finishing their studies, international students have the right to avail of 18 months of job search visa. Once international students secure a job during this period they need to convert their visa to a work visa which precedes Permanent Residency and Blue Card after fulfilling certain employment requirements. During the Google survey, 116 students indicated not to leave Germany, remaining survey participants had various reasons to leave Germany for example finishing studies in Germany and getting a job in Pakistan with a ratio of 134:80, respectively.
6. During qualitative interviews, interviewees voiced concern about Pakistan’s struggling economic situation and at the same time stated contentment about their decision to come to Germany; which has let the researcher deduce that they might not leave Germany and would take the opportunity to work in the German market. They are to contribute to Pakistan’s economy by sending remittances.
7. Worrisome responses have also been recorded by the interviewer when interviewees talked about old teaching methods such as only focusing on theoretical studies, having no test laboratories, etc., in Pakistan.
8. The empirical finding narrates the importance and contribution of language participation. Community groups are multi-lingual and can deliver information in different languages, predominantly, the national and regional languages of Pakistan along with English and German. Few members who have been living in Germany for a longer time and speak native German also offer German language courses in those groups31.
Now, seeing through the lens of the cost and benefits of the students’ migration, what matters for them is their rational decision and choice. On one hand, going away from family, relatives, and friends, and facing challenges in a new society is a hardship that students encounter. On contrary, in the long run, the expectations of students that they perceive before taking any decision are beneficial, for instance, educational advantages, better living standards, advanced technology, freedom and rights, improved health, etc. It is also obvious that the whole enchilada of cost and benefits is taken into consideration before executing the decision. This study has revealed how and to what extent, and what platforms of digital media are popular amongst Pakistani students to seek information. In addition, digital networking channels also assist them in their decision-making to select a particular college/university in Germany. Social media is democratizing access to information and knowledge to migrants which is open to everyone, thus synchronizing virtual infrastructure. The synchronization connecting different users formulates a network. Those formed networks start exchanging a wide variety of information, support, and resources.
Apart from getting facilitated in the migration and visa process via Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok by the community, these mediums have stretched communication to the next level in a way that has become inexpensive, effective, easily accessible, and less time-consuming. Another fact of cutting the geographical distance between international students and their families has also been dominantly coped by WhatsApp and Facebook, according to this study's findings. The participants’ narratives in this study were imperative to understanding the role of social media in migration and their decision-making. Not only friends but the community, as a whole, reliably tend to furnish the information that students ask for in communal groups. Digital media eliminates the fear of being unaccompanied and develops affiliation between destination and origin. How it eliminates the fear and develops affiliation, is by obtaining instant information on different matters through the community’s online platforms. It is proved to be having an enormous network enriched with resourceful and experience-based information available anytime.
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION
The world is experiencing globalization that affects different societies in different ways, international migration, particularly, students’ migration is also one of them. Countries around the world are connecting together, thus their interdependence on each other is also increasing. When a student arrives in an alien society, it takes a while to understand how a foreign society works. As soon as they feel integrated into society, they become a part of it. In all this process, the role of social media cannot be ignored in today’s world when everything is interconnected. Digital communication channels have made information available with just a click away. Social media has proven to synchronize bits and bytes of information for students and the distribution of such information is also one click away.
The cycle of Migrant Connection Through Social Media
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
The cycle of migrant connections through social media is sketched by the researcher. The cycle elaborates on the dependency of migration on social media in an order; students tend to use social media and begin creating or finding their networks in the destination country. They may look for relatives or friends in their selected country or they build a new network and start exchanging information. The information varies depending upon their preferences, however, after arriving in the destination country, they are provided with possible assistance such as accommodation, etc. by going through all the challenges to settlement, they are now able to guide other newcomers.
Students as international migrants estimate their predetermined costs and benefits, however, their cost is just a one-time investment favoring their long-term benefits. They meet and greet communities across the border in a new country, rising migrant connections, and share information as collective benefits for the whole community. The process of information sharing, the arrival of new students to Germany, and assisting them in every possible way goes around in a circle. Today, noticeably all this happening on social media is also being recorded/registered in online communal groups and can be exhumed at any time.
Dekker and Engerbsen (2013: 7) narrated that social media could be a powerful tool for gathering interactive facts and figures where people are permitted to share their practical real-life instances. On the other hand, misinformation is possibly deemed to be spread by migrants which can be alarming and misleading for prospective migrants. That could lure new migrants, particularly, young refugees by offering them marital status or jobs; which actually could be a manipulative maneuver to temptation. Social media facilitate to development of interconnectedness feelings amongst international students, especially when they connect with the people back home. Social media expedite the process of integrating and adjusting to a new country and foreign environment in the early phases of post-migration.
This study only focused on Pakistani students in Germany and their usage of social media platforms, whereas, future studies can also include Pakistani refugees and asylum seekers in Germany. Future studies may include irregular migrants on the condition of not sharing their identity. Future studies can also emphasize questions such as what kind of help did they seek during their transition, the transition period and irregular routes they traveled through, how do they connect with the people (agents) who assist them in transitioning from Pakistan to Germany, comparing their living conditions now and then, lastly, what countries did they visit during that time, had they known anyone in Europe and if they used any social media channel then and now? Several questions can be included in further studies. This study will assist and help future scholars to understand the effect and results of social media from students’ perspectives.
6.1. Recommendations
Although, the findings have addressed all the research questions of this particular study and they are equally important to understand the overall impact of social media on the lives of student migrants. However, in contrast, some points are deemed to be addressed by the institutional authorities. The suggestions presented by the researcher in this paper are not only going to help students but also the respective official departments /concerned offices/ educational institutes. The recommendations are prepared based on the problems and challenges that students have discussed during semi-structured interviews. Few students also established recommendations due to the challenges they faced or someone they knew had experienced. Keeping in view the findings of this study, recommendations are as follows;
1. The students addressed that they have been forced to speak the German language at Foreigner’s/Immigrati on office/city hall (Ausländerbehörde) when they go for city registration. The officials at Foreigner’s office in Germany should consider offering international students to choose their preferred language for communication since the medium of instruction for an international student at the university is mainly English.
2. The second most addressed and collective issue Pakistani students have spoken about during qualitative interviews was getting an appointment from German Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan. Due to delays in appointments and visa issuing, many students arrived in Germany after a long waiting period. Understanding the fact of workload on Embassy officials, they should get a faster and improved appointment booking software that automatically allocates appointments to a set number of students every day. The student having admission/offer letters in hand should get priority. While on the other hand, those students who do not have any offer/admission letter should not book a prior appointment, so the students having admissions in hand can avail such an appointment. The same system shall be adopted by the embassies for Family Reunion visas.
3. On part of universities, they shall create a visual/video guide that could aid international students to reach their destination city. Further by hiring volunteers, new incoming students can also get initial guidance. Many universities already offer buddy programs but international students do not have knowledge about such programs. This information shall be shared with the students before their arrival.
4. Pakistani education sector shall also improve and provide a practical environment to students in the field of natural sciences, technology, engineering, etc, because these educational sectors, according to the interviewees, are using old methods and techniques and do not have enough resources for the students. Additionally, students shall improve their scientific writing skills in Pakistan.
5. Universities should collaborate with Embassy officials and arrange seminars about studying in Germany free of cost. This would be instant information dissemination on the topics that students want to ask from them.
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Questionnaire
The questionnaire is divided into three parts
a. Questions about Migration to Germany. (11 questions)
b. Role of Social Media. (11 questions)
c. Demographic information (8 questions)
Directions: The purpose of this student questionnaire is to find out students’ reliance on social media to pursue higher education in Germany. The time period selected for the research is 2010 until 2021. Further, the researcher also aims to find different platforms used by students during the specified time that also includes reliance on other channels before widespread social media.
You are requested to give your honest opinions. The questionnaire will not be shared with any official/governmental institute. The study is solely based on the research purpose and answered questionnaires will remain confidential between the student and the professor. All the responses will be anonymous, however, the date of birth is asked to avoid the repetition of answers from the same person and to get distinguished responses. Participation in this survey is voluntary and respondents may leave it anytime. All the questions are crucially mandatory to get the desired results. There is no time limit to finish the survey.
PART A: QUESTIONS ABOUT MIGRATION
1. Please mark the years since when you have been living in Germany.
i. Before 2010 □
ii. 2010-2012 □
iii. 2013-2015 □
iv. 2016-2018 □
v. 2019-2021 □
vi. I am a German national/ I was born in Germany. □
2. Which of the following statement best describes your current occupational situation in Germany? Please select that best applies to you.
i. I am working full-time with an employer. □
ii. I am working part-time with an employer. □
iii. I am self-employed in my own business. □
iv. I am unemployed and looking for a job. □
v. I am studying. □
vi. Others, please specify □
3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with your current occupational situation in Germany?
i. Fully satisfied □
ii. Satisfied □
iii. Don’t know □
iv. Dissatisfied □
v. Completely dissatisfied □
4. Which of the following statement best describes your occupational situation before coming to Germany? Please select that best applies to you.
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
5. On a scale of 1 to 5, to what extent, you were satisfied with your future after finishing your study in Pakistan?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
6. What is your level of German Language?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
7. Do you have German friend(s) with whom you communicate in the German
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
8. Do you have a voting right in Germany?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
9. What reasons would make you leave Germany? You may check more than one
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
10. In which areas do you feel yourself integrated now in Germany?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
11. What do you recommend your current city for?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
12. What social media platform(s) did you use to get information about coming to Germany? You may select more than one options
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
13. How often do you use social media?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
14. What do you use social media for in your daily life?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
15. What social media channel do you use to contact your friends and family in Germany and Pakistan?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
16. On a scale of 1 to 5, to what extent do you rate your trust in the content and information shared on social media?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
17. Do you agree with the statement on a scale of 1 to 5, I share the information and content on social media with my family, friends, and the public?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
18. How helpful is/was social media for you to get to Germany?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
19. To what extent do you agree that social media has helped me to discuss and solve the problems in my migration process?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
20. On a scale of 1 to 5, social media (for me) is an integral part to get information and participating in German society.
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
21. To what extent do you agree with the statement? I use/d a Pakistani communal group on social media to get information about migration and discuss challenges faced in Germany.
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
22. To what extent is social media feasible to mobilize and transfer the knowledge and information regarding studying abroad?
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
Part C: DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY:
23. What is your age? Your date of birth ( purpose to ask for a date of birth is to avoid the repetition of answers and to get distinguished responses )
a) 18-24 □ b) 25-30 □ c) 31-34 □
d) 35-39 □ e) 40-44 □ f) 45-49 □
1) If 50 or above please mention here
Your date of Birth (please mention here Format dd.mm.yyyy)
24. Please state your gender:
a. Male □ b. Female □
25. Your city and state in Pakistan and Germany?
(Pakistan) (Germany)
26. Do you have a second nationality? If yes, (if more please write all)
(Please specify)
27. What is your highest level of education in Germany?
a. High School □ b. Bachelors □ c. Master □
d. Ph.D. □ e. Post-Doc or higher □
28. Course name you are enrolled in Germany? If you are not a student anymore you can skip to the next question.
(Please specify)
29. I am not a student anymore and working as a;
(Please specify)
30. What is your residence status/visa status now in Germany?
a)Temporary residence permit □
b)Permanent residence permit □
c)others, please specify □
Appendix 2. Interview Questions and Transcribed Answers32
Directions: The purpose of this student questionnaire is to find out students’ reliance on social media to pursue higher education in Germany. The time period selected for the research is 2010 until 2022. Further, the researcher also aims to find different platforms used by students during the specified time that also includes reliance on other channels before widespread social media. The study is solely based on the research purpose and answered questionnaires will remain confidential between the student and the professor. All the responses will be anonymous, however, you can state your university name and course name as well. If you tell your name it will be anonymous.
The population sample for interviews is 10 students. The interview questions are to be sent to students because this way students feel more confident and give detailed answers in an audio/video file.
1. Would you please share your experience of coming from Pakistan to Germany and what challenges and hurdles have you faced after coming to Germany?
2. How has social media helped you to overcome those challenges? Why have you chosen Germany?
3. Could you please explain, what services have you sought to come to Germany? Did you apply on your own or did you seek help from a consultant or your friend?
4. If you live with your family could you please share your experience if you got any information regarding a family reunion visa from social media and how helpful was that? If you live alone you can still share your experience.
5. Could you please tell me more about how useful are Pakistani groups on social media (Facebook and WhatsApp) if you want to discuss your issues that you go through in Germany?
6. What kind of other information have you gathered so far from the group? That you think could be important. You can tell more than one.
7. Are there any important questions that you think have not been included in the study concerning the use of social media while coming to Germany and living in Germany?
8. Apart from the role of social media, what do you recommend that should be improved during all the processes of coming from Pakistan to Germany?
Transcribed Answers
Interview 1
Interviewer:
Thank you for your time and welcome. I am really very grateful to you for the time that you have spared for this interview. I already have shared the interview guide with you. Before we start, I would like to shortly introduce myself. (Researcher introduced himself). This interview is related to my final Master's Thesis project titled: “The Role of Social Media In Migration.” It’s a case study of Pakistani students in Germany.
What are you currently doing and when did you come to Germany?
Respondent:
Currently, I am doing my master's and writing my master’s thesis, and will hopefully at the end of this year, I will finish it.
Interviewer:
How satisfied are you with your overall decision to come to Germany and what about the current situation?
Respondent:
I came here for my master’s studies and I pursued my degree. It was a new experience as well as the exams being held . Its course structure was related to my field. What are the challenges and what are the new technologies which we are facing right now plus, what are the drawbacks in our current academic system (in Pakistan) that needs to be improved overall? On coming here, I found that most of our educational institutions are not focusing on real technologies and that’s my personal experience but it depends upon the different institutes as well. I guess I realized that we need to be more focused on practical side as well than theoretical. I found and learned a lot about research work and part of the distribution companies that are working on new technologies after coming to Germany. It was a real learning experience for me until now. My experience until now is good and I am grateful for my decision-making at that time. Hopefully, I will continue my experience here may be, especially in bigger cities.
Interviewer:
What factors compelled you to come to Germany? Did you already have thought of moving abroad?
Respondent:
First of all, I was thinking of doing my higher education and started applying in Pakistan but I didn’t get the passion to pursue it in Pakistan because they were not a challenge for me. Then I started searching for new challenges and applied in different European countries like Norway, Italy, etc. Then I got to know that Germany provides free education which is really beneficial for a student who is coming here. At the start, it was a bit messy thing to block an amount, But in other fields like business development or social sciences, there are a lot of scholarships on Daad but I didn’t look for any scholarships for myself. I think that was the challenge to come here and challenging all my previous academics.
Interviewer:
What challenges did you face during your initial journey to Germany when you were new?
Respondent:
When I started applying in 2018, you need an academic IELTS and you have to appear for that most of the universities required an academic IELTS with at least 7 bands. It was the first challenge and after that, you have to send the documents and pay the fees. That was a formal process in which to face while applying internationally. That is a normal thing I guess. The visa process was also lengthy at that time because the system was a bit challenging at that time and you have to wake up at 12 midnight to book an appointment. Plus, it appears on the website for only 5 minutes including filling in the data and submitting it. I was lucky when I was applying because I got free slots and got the visa appointment for that. Everything went smoothly afterward and I got a visa after about 1.5 months. Then I started to think about the registration. In the start, it is difficult and challenging if you’re coming to a small city because there is a language barrier. My colleagues and university assisted with that. There were some guides and then we started our process of registration So, the first challenge was to learn the language a little bit and how to contact people if you’re coming to a small city. As compared to the big city, it is not a challenging thing because most people speak English. You can go and communicate with them but overall it was a bit challenging at the start. That’s the latest experience in coming to Germany.
Interviewer:
The point you raised about the German language reminds me of another question.
Do you feel yourself integrated with the German society already?
Respondent:
If you’re not a proficient German speaker, it would be really hard to integrate with the German culture because you can see a developing state in Central Germany and if you are not good at least you need to be a proficient speaker of German to get some technical job. People have started to open up for foreigners and they are trying to speak English. My experience is that Germans speak really good English but they don’t want to.
Interviewer:
We are done with the first section of the interview and let’s move to the last one which is about the role of social media.
How often do you encounter social media platforms and what purpose do you use it for?
Respondent:
I use social media a lot and Facebook, which I use the most for staying updated about current affairs, what are the problems in society, what people love thinking about, entertainment, short video clips of moving out, eating food, etc. Social media mostly for me is to get updated here and back in Pakistan and communicate every day with them. Social media help you to connect with them and that’s why I often use social media. There are different groups which are helpful for students coming from Pakistan to Germany, Pakistani in Deutschland and there is another group called Study and Life in Germany where all people living in Germany or are in process of moving can post their questions. When I started my process, I posted in this group and seniors guided me through the process, which was really helpful. I got admission to a university that was commented on the post. Hadn’t he commented then, I wouldn’t be here today. This is the short story to which you can relate.
Interviewer:
Do you think that the posts that you see from your friends, do they influence you in any way?
Respondent:
Yes, I think people have different perspectives. There are different people who also engage with them who try to counter our experience and we try to counter our arguments with them. For example, if someone is going to travel on a certain day, he posts if anyone else is traveling on the same day. If someone eats good food from somewhere, he posts it in the group so that other people also try that. In that sense, it is positive. But there are negatives as well. There are a lot of posts regarding character assassination which is harmful, it creates depression. For me, it’s like a way of communication.
Interviewer:
How likely is it for you to trust the content/information on social media and how likely would you share it within your social circle?
Respondent:
Initially, I didn’t use it to verify the news and everything but I have realized that there is a lot of fake news all over the internet. So, you would be careful before sharing it. Sometimes if a video is circulating on social media, I try to verify the perspective of the video’s content because this fake news spreads a very bad influence on people. So, I Google it to verify its originality and authenticity. Most of the time I do it and sometimes I just skip this. But there should be something to know about fake news because a lot of negatives are being thrown out on people without confirmation. This creates anger and hatred among them. This is a bad thing and my take is also this.
Interviewer:
Did social media help you overcome the challenges that you have just mentioned while you were new in Germany?
Respondent:
Yes! I told you about the Facebook group. When I was applying for the process, I didn’t know about the universities. So I posted questions and people told me to search on DAAD and other websites to find course-related universities. After that the block account was tough and I posted that also on the Facebook group and people answered actively. It was a helpful thing. We also tried to resolve different queries as well because we also have these WhatsApp groups, and Facebook groups to communicate with the juniors or people coming to Germany guiding them about the pluses and negatives in the academic fields and jobs. It played a positive role for me.
Interviewer:
Did you seek any help from consultants or friends already living in Germany?
Respondent:
When I was in the process of applying, I visited some of the consultants in Pakistan and then we get to know that there are some Facebook groups. Before knowing about the groups, I went for consultancy but in the end, I had to directly apply to the university rather than giving them approximately 600 to 700 Euros for the application. I started the process in mid-October or November 2017 and we applied late so we didn’t get enough admission opportunities in the summer intake. One of my friends got admission but I didn’t get it. We were applying randomly to universities and throwing our money. Then I applied in January and got admission in March. I applied to 4-5 universities and got admission to 2-3 universities but I opted for this university.
Interviewer:
As you have mentioned that you got pretty much information from the groups on social media so I am going to skip the question related to it. Moving to the next, could you explain how helpful did you find these Pakistani communal groups or student association groups on social media for gathering the information to come to Germany?
Respondent:
There is a lot of information as I told earlier. Some helpful files on how the process works are posted there. You just have to search for it and the admin has already shared it in the group. So, if someone needs any help, you just have to share the group with them and all the stuff is there and the admin has managed everything. So everything is included for a person who is coming to Germany. Secondly, coming here and settling down is another challenge. If you’re coming to a specific university, you’ll find a specific group with that university’s name and city as well. There are people helping each other. One of my friends recently came here to the Capital city. In the start, he was alone and I was guiding him. I told him about the process and other things but now he has joined a group and found a new friend. His family is shifting to Germany now. Groups are helpful but I am not sure how active they are. Some groups are very good and some are just formality. Sometimes, it occurs difficult to gather people and make a group with them. So, social media is helpful because it helps arrange a meeting and people exchange their numbers so that in case of need, they may help each other.
Interviewer:
Have you ever discussed your own issues in those groups?
Respondent:
Actually, we have seniors on our campus. You can go to them and ask about the problems you’re having. There are different societies in the universities and you can consult them as well. Still, if you’re not getting your issue resolved, you can contact these groups. If you are planning to call your spouse or planning to support your siblings who are having the plan to come to Germany, these wouldn’t be answered by these groups. So, you would have to consult these groups because some people already had experienced these issues and have gone through this process and would answer better. Cases also vary and get answers accordingly. In my case, I asked them from social media and that was helpful.
Interviewer:
Moving on to the last question that would be considered as your recommendation.
Do you think that there should have been something included in the study?
Respondent:
The role of scholarships for a student coming to Germany from different countries is really difficult to search out and find how these scholarships work for them. There should be some seminars explaining to students about the scholarship procedure and how to avail of it. The seminars should be held once a half year or once a year at any place feasible. Students are seriously unfamiliar with these concepts and should be told about this. Social media has improved a lot of things now. I would recommend how the German embassy can work to recruit good students from across Pakistan. There should be some German consultancy from the German consulate. The visa process back was very difficult as it takes about 2 years, it should be improved. My question that I would recommend is how family life works here. If you are married, how would you counter these challenges? There are no proper guidelines about this. Mostly, people are married and they come here for a master's on a student visa. So this should be guided to them that how to settle these things. Universities can provide guidance in this regard I think. Plus, social media groups would be helpful for them. These are some recommendations from my side. You can add a question that how you settled down as a family in Germany because people live like a gathering back in Pakistan.
Interviewer:
Thank you so much for your time and appreciate your answers.
[...]
1 There has been a general record of remittances sent from Germany to Pakistan in 2017 by Pew Research Center. The remittances data for following years in unavailable also, the remittances sent by Pakistani students from Germany to Pakistan is not in any record.
2 The Express Tribune is a well-known Newspaper and News media and according to them, they collected information from Immigration officials.
3 All the reports from Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst e.V. 2010-2022, are given in the references. The reports are always counting the students from last year, because current year’s student inflow will be recorded next year.
4 As data (of 492 students) from the year 2010 is taken from 2009 report, therefore, in 2008, 433 students had reportedly come to Germany. 2010 report contains all the numbers from 2008 and 2009.
5 The total figures and overall percentage calculated from 2010-2022 is based on the data collected from prior studies and recorded data by wissenschaft weltoffen reports. Additionally, the researcher has calculated all percentages using percentage increase calculator.
6 Mobile and non-mobile students are explained on the next page.
7 The total numbers of young males and females users (age 18-34) are merged together to get the collective digit of Facebook users.
8 The researcher searched for total WhatsApp users in Pakistan, however, no information was available on WhatsApp official website even on Pakistan Telecommunication Authority website as well.
9 For positive interaction of Migrants’ details, see “ Building Migrants’ belongings through positive interactions by Andrew Orton in 2012.” Page 9.
10 See Appendix 1
11 Total number of group members is also added with every group name.
12 These are the actual recent numbers of group member which may fluctuate due to leaving and joining of new members.
13 See Page 15 6403 Pakistani students were enrolled in German education institutions in 2021
14 See above 4.3. Data Collection and Sampling
15 313 participants out of total 500 respondents answered to this question.
16 From Janury 1 2023, The blocked amount is set to increase again to 11,208 Euros for one year. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600
17 469 participants out of 500 revealed their cities in response to this question.
18 https://www.tiktok.com/@shariquejavaid/video/7112426454419246342?_r=1&_t=8TP4BOyOyko&is_copy_ url=1&is_from_webapp=v1
19 Researcher also previously identified 3 points in undertaking the decision-making on page 24
20 International students, after finishing their master’s degree, are granted 18 months of post-study visa for job search.
21 The English translation for Bazm-e-Berlin is Assembly or get-together in Berlin
22 The influential role of community on online media about the life, living standard abroad, and decisionmaking is explained on page 24.
23 The researcher also had inferred this statement in introduction (see page 4)which is also disclosed by the interviewee during the interview.
24 See Question 24 for further explanation
25 See Question 25
26 See Question 27
27 See Question 26
28 Earlier Pakistani means descendants of current generation.
29 See Question 22
30 See question 10 and 11
31 The researcher found german language courses being offered by community members on Facebook groups.
32 The researcher has only added 1 complete transcription of qualitative interview in order to display what kind of questions have been explored and asked.
Acheter maintenant
- Citation du texte
- Anosh Samuel (Auteur), 2023, The Role of Social Media in Migration. An Empirical Study of Pakistani Students in Germany, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1595585
