Migrants are using TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to showcase their journeys through the dangerous Darién Gap. Social media has become a platform for both migrants and smugglers, with some individuals earning money and fame from documenting their experiences and struggle. This has influenced others to embark on the same perilous journey.
Migrants Crossing the Darién Gap Find Success on Social Media Migrants and smugglers are using TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to document and promote their treacherous journeys through the Darién Gap. Manuel Monterrosa, a Venezuelan, recorded his journey and posted it on YouTube, ultimately earning enough money to forego the United States and return to South America. Cellphones and social media are transforming global migration, with migrants producing a digital almanac of their trek to the United States, attracting millions of viewers and creating new influencers. Social media platforms are both profiting from and combating migration content, with posts offering smuggling services and highlighting the dangers and tragedies of the journey. The Biden administration is working to counter smugglers' messaging with its own social media and messaging campaigns.
Migrants Crossing the Darién Gap Find Success on Social Media Migrants and smugglers are using TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to document and promote their treacherous journeys through the Darién Gap. Manuel Monterrosa, a Venezuelan, recorded his journey and posted it on YouTube, ultimately earning enough money to forego the United States and return to South America. Cellphones and social media are transforming global migration, with migrants producing a digital almanac of their trek to the United States, attracting millions of viewers and creating new influencers. Social media platforms are both profiting from and combating migration content, with posts offering smuggling services and highlighting the dangers and tragedies of the journey. The Biden administration is working to counter smugglers' messaging with its own social media and messaging campaigns.