Videos as Global Networks in the Practice of Migration (An Iranian Case Study)

Network society is an ever-changing robust system expanding new nods as long as they can communicate. Videos, as a source of information and communication, are one of the most strategic nods in this architecture. The present study is a scholarly attempt in investigating the effects of videos on facilitating the process of migration for the Iranian students. To this end, our case studies participated in semi-structured interviews. The participants in these interviews included 36 students from the University of Tehran and the Tehran University of Art. Our qualitative methodology perceived the role of the informative and inspirational nature of videos in three basic stages of pre-immigration: an initial period of motivation; a phase of decision-making; and a state of preparation and arrangement. Furthermore, our findings revealed the implications of videos for migration plans as expectations built in the gap of virtuality and reality, detachment from social values, and redefinition of identity among our participants. These themes extracted from the interviews explained the mediated network tools’ distinct role in shaping the migration-related comprehension, conception and behavior of these Iranian students. Overall, the findings of our case study contribute to and support theoretical discussions implying that the digital technology of the network society operates a dynamic activity in the migration process.