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Project Summary

PERCEPTIONS – Understanding the Impact of Narratives and Perceptions of Europe on Migration and Providing Practices, Tools and Guides for Practitioners

The PERCEPTIONS project examines how Europe and the EU are seen by people who have immigrated there or intend to do so. It examines what perceptions of Europe exist among migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, how they are formed, whether they correspond to reality and how they influence migration decisions. We also examine how the flow of information could be distorted and whether inaccurate information could lead to a threat to the security of migrants (e.g. through dangerous border crossings) or even national security (e.g. through radicalisation).

Project Objectives

The main objectives of the PERCEPTIONS project are to (1) identify narratives, images and perceptions of Europe held by migrants and people who intend to migrate, (2) investigate how different narratives could lead to problems due to a mismatch of expectation and reality, to migrants and even to national security; and (3) create toolkits of creative and innovative measures to react or even counteract on distorted information, considering social, societal and structural aspects, provided on an intuitive web platform.

Previous research suggests that perceptions on Europe are formed in the country of residence, and they are based on a multitude of sources, as well as factors influencing migration are on different levels – from the overall socio-economic situation in a country to perceptions on educational opportunities and gender equality.

Social media and new communication networks, in addition, have increased the scope and the intensity of distribution of a variety of narratives; and furthermore, so-called filter bubbles and echo chambers can lead to one-sided narratives that go uncorrected. Due to new communication technologies, claims can take on a life of their own, and might raise unrealistic expectations or disapproval. At the same time, however, technologies and communication networks might also provide a channel to avoid a mismatch of expectation and reality and to promote the desired narratives.

RESEARCH

RESEARCH the body of scientific literature on the creation and the distribution of place-related narratives with a particular emphasis on their creation and the distribution through social networks and media, as well as relevant project outcomes, models and measures.

UNDERSTAND

UNDERSTAND the relevance of positive and negative narratives in relation to the motivation for migration through conducting quantitative and qualitative empirical research, allowing transverse and transnational comparisons.

ANALYSE

ANALYSE social media data and mass media to understand how narratives, rumours and false images of Europe are spread, investigate novel technologies, as well as secondary data and scenarios, and conduct a network analysis to identify the impact of novel technologies.

DESIGN

DESIGN dynamic new approaches and (counter-)measures in the form of intuitive toolkits for civil society organisations and development aid organisations in order to support their local activities to deconstruct false narratives and enhance the dissemination of right narratives.

LEVERAGE

LEVERAGE a modular Web Platform including an Open Information Hub to spread knowledge and public materials, as well as public and professional service modules hosting digital solutions with a centralised dashboard.

VALIDATE

VALIDATE the outlined materials and measures to ensure the sustainability of the PERCEPTIONS solutions, allowing the flexible and individual adaptation of the toolkits to the specific local, regional or country-specific needs.

DISSEMINATE

DISSEMINATE the PERCEPTIONS solutions by raising awareness, dissemination results in the scientific community, and creating international networks of practitioners working in the field for supporting them with knowledge exchange, training approaches and resources.

RESEARCH

RESEARCH the body of scientific literature on the creation and the distribution of place-related narratives with a particular emphasis on their creation and the distribution through social networks and mass media, as well as relevant project outcomes, models and measures.

UNDERSTAND

UNDERSTAND the relevance of positive and negative narratives in relation to the motivation for migration through conducting quantitative and qualitative empirical research, allowing transverse and transnational comparisons.

ANALYSE

ANALYSE social media data and mass media to understand how narratives, rumours and images of Europe are spread, investigate novel technologies, as well as secondary data and scenarios, and conduct a network analysis to identify the impact of novel technologies.

DESIGN

DESIGN dynamic new approaches and measures in the form of intuitive toolkits for civil society organisations and development aid organisations in order to support their local activities to deconstruct harmful narratives and enhance the dissemination of other narratives.

LEVERAGE

LEVERAGE a modular Web Platform including an Open Information Hub to spread knowledge and public materials, as well as public and professional service modules hosting digital solutions with a centralised dashboard.

VALIDATE

VALIDATE the outlined materials and measures to ensure the sustainability of the PERCEPTIONS solutions, allowing the flexible and individual adaptation of the toolkits to the specific local, regional or country-specific needs.

DISSEMINATE

DISSEMINATE the PERCEPTIONS solutions by raising awareness, dissemination results in the scientific community, and creating international networks of practitioners working in the field for supporting them with knowledge exchange, training approaches and resources.

Project Results

  • Best Practice Library
  • Theoretical and empirical research reports
  • PERCEPTIONS Multidimensional Approach Framework
  • Toolkit with hands-on measures for migrants & civil society organisations
  • Toolkit with strategic measures for policy makers
  • PERCEPTIONS Web Platform

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