What Do Social Media Users in Host Countries Talk about Refugees?: A Thematic Analysis of Rohingya-Related Online Discourse

Abstract

This research analyzes the main topics discussed on social media in Bangladesh surrounding the Rohingya crisis. Employing thematic analysis, we qualitatively analyzed 10,907 Rohingya-related comments from an equal number of social media users. Our findings reveal that users engage in discussions centered on four main topics: asylum debates, questionable media, religious sentiments, and controversial roles. These findings further suggest that social media users, regardless of the country’s development level, exhibit similar behavioral patterns toward refugees, including a certain degree of negative attitudes. The insights gained from this research can inform and guide balanced policy decisions addressing the Rohingya crisis.