Abstract
This is an exploratory study on the roles that internet-based social networks play in supporting immigrants in their settlement process, using NewBridger as an example. This research finds that online social networks are able to provide informational, socio-emotional, and some material and instrumental support to immigrants that help meet their settlement needs. Information passed through NewBridger helps immigrants with employment, housing, education and training, leisure, and daily living related issues. Socio-emotional support helps reduce acculturative stress by fostering a sense of belonging and friendship, and by exchanging expressions of love, care and encouragement. Support for immigrants also takes the form of social capital building. This study concludes that online social support networks are valuable supplement to formal support networks consisting of the government and the non-profit sector. This study builds on the theoretical frameworks of social support, social capital and acculturative stress.
Highlights
In the search for solutions to immigrant settlement service provision, the government and the non-profit service sector are often the focus of attention
The findings of the survey and the interviews are very similar in respect of the functions of Newbridger. Both data collection methods confirm that Newbridger provides informational, socioemotional, and some degrees of material or instrumental support that help its members in their settlement process
This assistance is materialized through social capital building, or as social support, which takes the forms of informational, material or instrumental, and socio-emotional assistance
Summary
In the search for solutions to immigrant settlement service provision, the government and the non-profit service sector are often the focus of attention. I will look at an internet-based immigrant social network, which involves immigrants as part of the solution to their own settlement needs. Through this network, the immigrants and other members of their community help each other to cope with the challenges of settlement and integration into a new society. This paper is an exploratory study investigating the role that internet-based social network can play in helping immigrants meet their settlement needs, using Newbridger as an example. Drawing insight from the conceptual frameworks of social capital, social support, acculturation and acculturative stress theories, this study will analyze Newbridger to explore its functions and qualities as an informal social support network for immigrants. I will explore the ways in which Newbridger helps reduce acculturative stress
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