PERCEPTIONS

When it comes to migration, it is of the utmost importance to understand narratives about Europe– held outside of Europe – and how these can lead to problems and threats. The aim of the PERCEPTIONS project was to identify and understand the narratives and (mis-)perceptions of the EU abroad, assess potential issues related with the border and external security in order to allow better planning and outline reactions and countermeasures.

The project “PERCEPTIONS. Understand the Impact of Novel Technologies, Social Media, and Perceptions in Countries Abroad on Migration Flows and the Security of the EU & Provide Validated Counter Approaches, Tools and Practices” was a three-year research and innovation project. It was building on previous research which suggested that perceptions on Europe are formed in the country of residence, and they are based on a multitude of sources; and factors influencing migration are on different levels – from the overall socio-economic situation in a country to perceptions on educational opportunities and gender equality. The outcomes of the project now draw a clearer picture.

The role of social media

Social media and new communication networks have increased the scope and the intensity of distribution of a variety of narratives; so-called filter bubbles and echo chambers can lead to one-sided narratives that go uncorrected. Due to new communication technologies, claims can take on a life of their own, and might raise unrealistic expectations or disapproval. At the same time, however, technologies and communication networks might also provide a channel to avoid a mismatch of expectation and reality.

Therefore, PERCEPTIONS identified the channels in which such narratives and images are spread, including traditional and social media, and the actors who tell these stories – and to whom, with what purpose and with what impact. The project focused on the role of traditional mass media, as well as social media, in this process, and what kind of images and ideas are transported via different channels. The project also examined how the flow of information could be distorted and whether inaccurate information could lead to a threat to the security of migrants (e.g., through dangerous border crossings) or even national security (e.g., radicalisation).

The project’s objectives and outcomes

The project’s objectives can be defined as follows:

• RESEARCH the body of scientific literature on the creation and the distribution of place-related narratives with a particular emphasis on their creation and the distribution through social networks and media, as well as relevant project outcomes, models and measures.
• UNDERSTAND the relevance of positive and negative narratives in relation to the motivation for migration through conducting quantitative and qualitative empirical research, allowing transverse and transnational comparisons.
• ANALYSE social media data and mass media to understand how narratives, rumours and false images of Europe are spread, investigate novel technologies, as well as secondary data and scenarios, and conduct a network analysis to identify the impact of novel technologies.
• DESIGN dynamic new approaches and (counter-)measures in the form of intuitive toolkits for civil society organisations and development aid organisations in order to support their local activities to deconstruct false narratives and enhance the dissemination of right narratives.
• LEVERAGE a modular Web Platform including an Open Information Hub to spread knowledge and public materials, as well as public and professional service modules hosting digital solutions with a centralised dashboard.
• VALIDATE the outlined materials and measures to ensure the sustainability of the PERCEPTIONS solutions, allowing the flexible and individual adaptation of the toolkits to the specific local, regional or country-specific needs.
• DISSEMINATE the PERCEPTIONS solutions by raising awareness, dissemination results in the scientific community, and creating international networks of practitioners working in the field for supporting them with knowledge exchange, training approaches and resources.

Besides insights gained through the various research activities, PERCEPTIONS outcomes included toolkits of creative and innovative measures to react or even counteract them, considering social, societal and structural aspects. A series of policies responded to the so-called ‘migration crisis’, based on assumptions about the factors influencing migration. PERCEPTIONS created evidence-based toolkits of creative and innovative measures for policymakers to react or counteract different perceptions, considering social, societal and structural aspects. PERCEPTIONS also aimed to support first-line practitioners, as well as migrants, and to protect (potential) migrants by creating trusted communication contents and communication channels and by counter-manding “false” and dangerous narratives that may lead to the exploitation of vulnerable groups.

To achieve its objectives, the project was structured in eight work packages, each with its own objectives and activities. After a phase of intense theoretical (desk-based) and empirical research, the partners elaborated a framework model, tools and concepts, which were consequently tested and validated with the target groups. The created materials were then published on the PERCEPTIONS web platform.

Links

https://project.perceptions.eu/

https://twitter.com/PERCEPTIONS_EU

https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsproject/

Keywords

Migration, perceptions, narratives, social media, push and pull factors, social network analysis, ICT, security