"Migration Narratives in Media: Representation, Social Perceptions, and Migrant Self-Representation"

This paper examines media representations of migration in Morocco, focusing on how these narratives shape social perceptions and influence migrant self-representation. As migration dominates global headlines, Morocco—both a transit and destination country—has become central to complex debates balancing hospitality and caution. Media narratives play a powerful role in shaping public perceptions, often framing migrants either as vulnerable victims or potential threats to socio-economic stability. Such representations contribute to anti-migrant sentiments, reinforcing stereotypes and biases that influence public policy and social attitudes.

However, the rise of social media has provided migrants with a platform to document their experiences and challenge dominant narratives, offering counter-narratives that question stereotypical portrayals. By sharing their own stories, migrants can confront the depiction of themselves as passive subjects and instead assert their identities and resilience. This paper draws on recent research into media narratives on migration (Esses, 2013), examining how Moroccan media outlets and social platforms handle these stories. The analysis explores patterns of representation across different media channels and highlights the ways in which migrant groups use social media to foster understanding and empathy, creating space for new narratives that counteract harmful stereotypes.

This study ultimately suggests that these counter-narratives have the potential to reshape public perceptions by presenting a more nuanced view of the migrant experience. Through this approach, we uncover how research on media representations of migration lends itself to innovative methodological frameworks, facilitating a deeper understanding of contemporary migration narratives.