Social Media as Means of Mitigation of Marginalization for Vietnamese Migrant Workers in Thailand

Abstract

In this paper, I will discuss how social media has been essential in mitigating the ongoing experience of marginalization and coping with crisis, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world. I will demonstrate how mutual support is often sought and given via social media to compensate for the lack of official channels of support. In addition, I will also discuss some of the negative aspects of the role of social media in the lives of UVMWs that need to be addressed by religious and social leaders. Because of the prominent role – both positive and negative – of social media in the lives of UVMWs, those who consider spiritual and social support work with migrant workers must take advantage of social media in order to respond more fully to their needs. This discussion is presented from the perspective of someone who has been involved in support work for this community for 14 years, a large part of which takes place in the online arena. What is demonstrated in this study is that social media, when employed intentionally and prudently, can help compensate for significant social, legal, emotional, and material limitations faced by migrant communities due to their disadvantaged status. At the same time, measures must be taken in order to help young UVMWs better make use of social media to enhance their lives rather than suffering the consequences of misusing digital information technology.

Keywords: Vietnamese migrant workers, social media, marginalization, COVID-19 pandemic