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QUESTION SIMPLIFIED: Using the theme of power and inequality, give details…

- - - - Indicate Conclusions Offer how the concept of power and inequality is exposed by the digital technology which presents refugees with the ultimate dilemma; smartphone as a lifeline vs tool for repression.
- - - - Digitally enabled transnational repression
        
        Refugees take many measures to reduce their digital footprint such as closing their FB profile down/closed FB groups, encrypted messaging forums, pseudonyms and avatars. This is necessary. p.134 They may have evidence of atrocities etc.
        Providing border guards access to your digital network can be a life or death moment. Keenan thrown into prison for 15 days and phone stolen for example.
        Saleem, opted for digital invisibility knowing that he would be liable for punishment - sacrificing the benefits the tech.
        
        Refugees share, and create ways to subvert this. They pioneer, share routes. ;The Road to Germany' a map shared on FB to help refugees reach Germany - p. 145. Digital Solidarity and shared hope
      - Networked authoritarianism
        
        Inhibits the ability of refugees to build a community with Syrians in the place they have ended up, through fear that may get back to their homeland and repercussions could be faced by their family. p.134
      - Emphasise the paradox between on minute the device being a life saving locator, but in the next moment a threat to life Power and inequalty shaping/complicating the relationship between people and things
        
        Emphasise how the advantage of multi media is restrained by the power imbalance migrants face vs rogue actors/states
- - - - Essential tool for navigation
        
        BENEFIT: Primary tool for navigation across borders - but it relies on the user being able to use it correctly (save battery). Abdul Islam became a leader of travelling migrants simply because he could operate his phone - technical profissiency.
        Power and inequality; power now allocated on ability and access/harness tech (swap simcards, manage phone battery), even in this small dynamic - above traditional leadership attributes.
        
        DISADVANTAGE If you lack the digital skills, or someone close with them, you are at a distinct disdvantage in ability to migrat3e.
      - Essential for survival at sea
        
        BENEFIT Need to call the coastgaurds when things are going badly - most deaths occur in areas where there is no signal. Aktum - cover their phone with plastic bags, except from that one phone required for navigation - tenious digitial link that lives rely upon.
        DISADVANTAGE Power and inequality;** lack of social capital might leave you with limited options to call for help. Very reliant on the digital infrastructure (network coverage, phone battery).
    - - BENEFIT; Communication to family and friends Know that you are going to be met at the next checkpoint/someone has is still working on your passport etc.
      - BENEFIT Ontological security/anchor for identity Retention of identity, purpose, sharing of their own narrative and story in an environment where its constantly challenged in new countries/scenarios. Images/digital communication alleviates depression caused by being separated and home being removed.
        
        Power and inequality Allows them to be more than just a passive powerless victim - they can shape their own narratives for the world.
    - - BENEFIT: Life saving device that can easily be picked up