Many things influence our choice of abode, but while we understandably regard internet access as a major factor in our choices within a nation, new research from McGill suggests it also plays a part in international migration too.

The research examined over 150 countries and found that Internet penetration had a significant impact on migration intentions and behaviors.  The study reveals that countries with high Internet usage seem to have more people who are willing to emigrate.  This trend continues on an individual level, with heavier Internet users also having a higher intention to leave.  What’s more, this trend held for both economic and political migrants.

“The digital revolution brought about by the advent of the Internet has transformed our societies, economies, and way of life. Migration is no exception in this revolution,” the researchers say.

Online tracking

The researchers trawled through Internet usage and migration data from a range of sources, including the Gallup World Poll, the World Bank, and the Global Peace Index.   They believe their findings underline the huge importance of the Internet as an information channel for migrants looking for a better life.

“The Internet not only gives us access to more information; it allows us to easily compare ourselves to others living in other – often wealthier – countries through social media,” the researchers explain.

The researchers tested out their theory in Italy as the country has experienced a significant increase in immigration over the past 20 years or so.  The researchers found a strong link between Internet use in the country of origin of migrants and the presence of people of that nationality in Italy the following year.

The researchers also found a clear link between the digital skills of the migrant, knowledge of the Internet, and voluntary departure from the Sant’Anna immigration Centre in Calabria as migrants searched for better opportunities elsewhere.

“Our findings contribute to the growing research on digital demography, where Internet-generated data or digital breadcrumbs are used to study migration and other demographic phenomena,” the researchers explain. “Our work suggests that the Internet acts not just as an instrument to observe migration behaviors, but indeed actively supports the migration process.”