Comparative study of technology usage by migrants and refugees – Western Balkan and the Central Mediterranean routeSilić, Harun (Avtor) Zavratnik, Simona (Mentor) refugees and migrantsWestern Balkan routeCentral Mediterranean routesmartphonesdigital technologyThe thesis examines and compares the use of digital technologies on the two most common migration routes leading to Europe - the Western Balkan and the Central Mediterranean routes. Understanding patterns of digital technology use is essential for humanitarian organizations and policy makers to create better support systems. The research was conducted with a qualitative approach and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with refugees and migrants from both routes. The focus of the interviews was to collect information on access to technology and the use of technology before, during and after the migration journey. Key aspects were the role of technology in communication, navigation and access to information. The findings show that there are significant differences in how and when refugees and migrants use technology on their journeys. A modern refugee on the Western Balkan route almost certainly uses smartphones at all times during migration. On the other hand, a modern refugee on the Central Mediterranean route most likely does not use digital technologies at all or only uses them for a short period of time during the journey. The research aims to obtain original data on migration routes and also to inform actors such as non-governmental and humanitarian organizations and technology providers to understand the unique challenges of these routes and aim for safer support systems.H. Silić20242024-03-27 08:30:02Magistrsko delo/naloga155333UDK: 314.151.3:004.9(043.2)VisID: 161243COBISS_ID: 191274243sl