Diya Verma
Independent Researcher
Delhi, India
Abstract
This study provides an in‐depth examination of how digital platforms empower and consolidate Indian diaspora networks across the globe. Building upon extant theoretical frameworks of transnationalism and virtual homelands, we employ a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods design—first collecting quantitative data from an online survey of 250 diaspora members in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Australia, then conducting 20 semi‑structured interviews with diaspora organization leaders and community moderators. The enhanced analysis reveals multifaceted functions of key platforms: WhatsApp and Facebook groups as primary sites for socio‐cultural bonding; LinkedIn as a catalyst for professional networking and mentorship; crowdfunding portals (e.g., Ketto, Milaap) as mechanisms for collective resource mobilization; and Twitter as a vehicle for political advocacy. Our findings demonstrate that digital platforms facilitate not only routine communication but also large‐scale mobilization for philanthropic causes, cultural festivals, and policy lobbying. Nonetheless, persistent barriers—digital literacy gaps among older members, inconsistent internet connectivity, algorithmic biases, and the proliferation of misinformation—undermine sustained engagement and trust. We propose actionable recommendations for platform developers (e.g., built‑in multilingual moderation tools), diaspora organizations (e.g., structured digital onboarding workshops), and Indian diplomatic missions (e.g., official embassy‑backed digital portals) to enhance usability, governance, and credibility. This research contributes a comprehensive, empirically grounded understanding of digital diaspora ecosystems and offers a roadmap for amplifying transnational solidarity in the digital age.
Keywords
Digital Platforms, Indian Diaspora, Transnational Networks, Social Media, Cultural Preservation
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