Information Seeking, Technology Use, and Vulnerability Among Migrants at the United States–Mexico Border

The Information Society 32(3): 176-191 (2016)

26 Pages Posted: 14 Apr 2016 Last revised: 15 Apr 2016

See all articles by Bryce Clayton Newell

Bryce Clayton Newell

University of Oregon - School of Journalism and Communication

Ricardo Gomez

University of Washington - The Information School

Verónica Guajardo

University of Washington - The Information School

Date Written: April 13, 2016

Abstract

Through interviews with migrants and migrant aid-workers at a shelter in the border town of Nogales, Mexico, we examine how undocumented migrants are seeking, acquiring, understanding, and using information prior to, and during, migration across the United States–Mexico border. Our study examines migrants’ perceptions of humanitarian service and the use of so-called “border disturbance technologies” by activists to help prevent the death of migrants in the desert, finding that migrants appreciate water-caching efforts but generally distrust technologies they feel could subject them to surveillance by border agents. Exploratory in nature and based on a small sample, our findings are not necessarily representative of the broader population, but provide rich evidence of the prevalence of word-of-mouth information seeking and use of cell phones over other information technologies, and explore the ambivalent nature of information technology use in the vulnerable setting of life at the border. In particular, we find that mobile phones help migrants meet their communication needs, but also increase their exposure to crime and abuse.

Keywords: migrant, migration, immigration, information seeking, information behavior, technology use, border, United States, Mexico, information technology, ICT, mobile phones, undocumented immigration

Suggested Citation

Newell, Bryce Clayton and Gomez, Ricardo and Guajardo, Verónica, Information Seeking, Technology Use, and Vulnerability Among Migrants at the United States–Mexico Border (April 13, 2016). The Information Society 32(3): 176-191 (2016), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2764796

Bryce Clayton Newell (Contact Author)

University of Oregon - School of Journalism and Communication ( email )

Eugene, OR
United States

Ricardo Gomez

University of Washington - The Information School ( email )

Box 353350
Seattle, WA 98195
United States

Verónica Guajardo

University of Washington - The Information School ( email )

Box 353350
Seattle, WA 98195
United States

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