Abstract

MANTILLA, Jorge. Digital solidarity and migrations: analysis on the use of digital technologies among Venezuelan citizens in Quito, Ecuador. Estud. front [online]. 2022, vol.23, e102.  Epub Sep 19, 2022. ISSN 2395-9134.  https://doi.org/10.21670/ref.2218102.

This article aims to analyze the use of digital communication technologies in the solidarity processes of Venezuelan migrants in Quito, Ecuador. The methodology applied was based on in-depth interviews and content analysis of WhatsApp groups. The research was conducted between June 2020 and March 2021. A non-probabilistic strategy (snowball sampling) was applied for the sampling. The results illustrate the dynamics of digital solidarity both in groups with strong ties (families) and weak ties. However, due to its qualitative nature, these results cannot be generalized. The conclusions show that in transnational families, solidarity develops from a sense of co-presence that allows the fulfillment of moral obligations, the generation of an economy of care, and emotional support. On the other hand, in the case of migrants without connective ties with each other, solidarity occurs through the construction of digital communities in large and impersonal groups.

Keywords : digital solidarity; transnational migration; Venezuelan migration; Ecuador.