ABSTRACT
In the middle of the African diaspora, identities relativise, and the notion of belonging takes another tone. What was concrete in these terms in the home country becomes abstract in the foreign land; however, caution! Either stereotypes or history of fact holds. The question “Where are you from?” translates in the home country in terms of ethnic differences, taking the form of country belonging when asked in a foreign land. It embraces the idea of recognition, belonging and remembrance. Out of a banal and unconscious habitus, the land becomes the most robust expression of identity, which Merga Yonas Bula (2023) resumed in terms of “nationality-based collective identity” and “ethnonational-based collective identity,” which, of course, can either be any of these or both; out of which burnt the need of identity recognition and acceptance.
Social media platforms have become the drum of identity construction and transmission, simultaneously expressing fragmentation and participation. They have strengthened identity bonds for the African diaspora and have been used as advocacy platforms for social justice and as a safe space for discussing issues perceived as controversial. As Berna (2020) notes, social media provides an “immediacy of connection” across geographic and political borders. These platforms bolster the visibility of the African community by bringing together both the diaspora and the nationals through diaspora advocacy pledges, change narratives, identity construction through African diaspora cultural events, and spotlighting their contributions in Germany. These platforms have created new public spheres, opportunities for social groupings, and avenues for organising protests for the African communities in Germany.
Yet, a major barrier appears to be coming to terms with the overall effects of these digital interactions. In contrast to the United States, where demographic breakdowns specific to social media usage are routinely collected, Germany’s strict data protection laws and lack of political will to collect disaggregated demographic information impose significant barriers to measuring and understanding diaspora social media engagement. This data gap hampers research efforts and limits the development of targeted policies for enhancing digital inclusion and representation of diaspora communities.
Keywords: African Diaspora, social media engagement, data shortage
