Navigating the Digital Aliyah: Social Representations of Technology Among Argentine Immigrants in Israel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62174/psocial.11187Abstract
This paper analyzes how digital technologies mediate the migration experience of Argentine Jewish immigrants (olim) in Israel and the social representations they construct around these technologies. In a highly digitized society like Israel, technology is an omnipresent feature of daily life, yet its role in the acculturation process for newcomers is complex. Based on a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with ten Argentine olim, this research explores perceptions of social media and digital bureaucratic infrastructure. The findings indicate that digital technology is viewed as a double-edged sword; it is simultaneously a practical tool for efficient daily management and a significant barrier to integration. This duality fosters ambivalent social representations, where technology symbolizes both modern convenience and bureaucratic exclusion, largely due to linguistic barriers and system complexity. The study concludes that digital inclusion for immigrants requires more than mere access to technology. To ensure successful integration, institutional bodies must prioritize linguistically accessible digital infrastructure and provide robust support to help new immigrants develop the digital literacy needed for full participation in society.References
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