The Image of Labor Migrants in Social Media and Internet Journalism: Cultural and Ethnic Dimensions

Abstract

This article analyzes the formation of the image of labor migrants in Internet journalism and social media from cultural, ethnic, and social perspectives. Specifically, it examines how the topic of labor migration is covered in Uzbek and Russian online publications, the emergence of media frames regarding migrants, factors influencing public opinion, and issues related to the socio-cultural identification of migrants. In addition, the article analyzes media materials on crime, education, religious freedom, and cultural adaptation involving migrants, and explores their impact on audience consciousness. The findings indicate that the image of the labor migrant is being formed in a hybrid manner in media discourse — simultaneously as an economic resource, a subject in need of social protection, and a member of an 'alien' social group.