Research on the influence of the media on the formation of public opinion about migrants and refugees published
14.12.2020.The Humanitarian Center for Integration and Tolerance from Novi Sad published the research "The Influence of the Media in the Republic of Serbia on Increasing Xenophobia towards Refugees and Migrants", with the help and support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
This publication is the result of public opinion research, as well as media coverage of topics related to migrants. Most of the research is focused on spreading unverified or false news about migrants in public, the reaction of citizens to them, as well as the activities of certain groups that participated in spreading misinformation.
The research showed, among other things, that negative emotions towards migrants and refugees from the Middle East and Africa are on the rise, both in places where transit reception and asylum centers are located, and among the population that has never been in direct contact with refugees / migrants. What is worrying is the large number of threats that can be read on social networks.
Such research, the aim of which is to present facts and credible data and to suppress misinformation and false news that are placed in the public space, is always welcome and contributes to a better understanding of a global problem such as migration.
You can download the publication here.