Role of Social Media In Reducing Culture Shock: A Research of Interstate Migrants in Jammu

Abstract

In the era of globalisation, migration has become a common phenomenon in India. The interplay between push and pull factors play an important role in both internal and external migration. However, it is pertinent to mention that when individuals migrate it is not only the migration of a physical being but the migration of cultures as well. These migrating cultures undergo various changes in their forms as the result of culture contact. This may be in form of assimilation or acculturation. But at the same time one of the major impacts on the migrating individual can be seen in form of culture shock which is generally a feeling of disorientation experienced by the migrating individual who is subjected to unfamiliar culture. Here comes the role of various institutions and mediums that facilitate the process of cultural adaptation. The growth of social media has helped in bridging the gap between distinct societies by connecting like-minded individuals. It helps to gain a prior knowledge regarding the customs, traditions, beliefs of host cultures along with maintaining strong ties with the families and friends which reduces the threshold of migration. This paper attempts to analyse the role of social media in reducing culture shock while studying interstate migrants in Jammu, J&K by opting in-depth interviews using qualitative method. Depending upon the analysis, discussions are stated that social media plays an important role in facilitating intercultural adjustments.