I was recently invited by the Greek Orthodox Community of Saint George in South Brisbane to discuss how Greek communities can utilise digital media to engage young people.
My PhD research focused on how digital media usage shapes Greek migrant youth identities and feelings of belonging. Digital media consists of content in electronic format that is shared and accessed via an internet connection (Sikarwar, 2016). It encourages exchanges between individuals and among groups based on preference, purpose and mood, and comprises of social media, apps, and gaming.
There is no monolithic Greek identity; there are many Greek identities. My research focused on the latest wave of Greek migrants, aged 18-24 years, and was conducted during the COVID-lockdown of May 2020. I created storyboards to reflect key themes relating to migration, identity and digital media. The participants shared how digital media connects the physical and virtual realms but presents some challenges such as isolation, nostalgia, and loss of self. Words like ερεθίσματα (triggers); and γέφυρα (bridge) were used to describe the role of digital media in their lives: “Through new media you can remember and reflect on where you are coming from, but also see the horizon broaden up with the new foreign country you are in, seeing and exploring the new opportunities that may arise” (Sophia).
Our collaborative research concluded with the creation of a Survival Guide for Resettlement: New Migrants and New Media to help other migrants navigate their use of digital media when settling into a new country. This Survival Guide can be used with migrant youths from other cultural backgrounds, as well as teachers and parents who can see their students and children struggle to adjust to life in Australia, make friends in the physical world and limit nostalgic longing for a lost childhood and past.
Community Building: Future initiatives for engaging Greek youth through digital media
For Greek diasporas committed to activities which ensure sustainability of Greek culture and language, young people’s digital media usage does reveal important aspects that should be considered in future programming: (a) Greek Language and Culture (b) Hobbies/Interests, (c) Family and Community Relationships (d) Multiple Expressions of Identity/Roles (e) Strengths and Challenges.
Greek organisations and community leaders can start to seek ways of collaborating with influencers and digital creators to craft targeted content and activity.
Furthermore, how can they work with developers and incorporate gaming into cultural programs? Creating online games for future Greek festivals could encourage interaction on another level.
Immediate activities to elicit participation include inviting young people to:
– write and drive social media campaigns (i.e. post, blogs, newsletters)
– adapt traditions to fit digital trends – e.g. creating memes/digital art
– create a Greek-Australian digital diaspora (hashtag campaign #GreekYouthAustralia)
– deliver identity workshops with peers and younger generation using digital media to create stories/artworks for virtual exhibitions etc.
– James, a young person attending the talk, stressed the importance of increasing the frequency of engagement to build momentum and create a cohesive community. He suggested a freddo cappuccino competition on Facebook where young people could post and share their videos.
– His brother, Peter, highlighted that culture isn’t physical – it is about interrelationships – and preserving these across different ages and different groups of people via digital media – would be exciting new territory for Greek communities to explore.
Other ideas shared by attendees at my talk included:
Nadia, who discussed how digital media opens up connections that aren’t in your immediate sphere. “LinkedIn enabled me to connect to notable Greeks such as the Prime Minister of Greece and feel like I have a direct link to Greece, or to become a member of the Greek Australian Society to expand my professional networks across Australia”.
– Elizabeth, a dietician, who works in the digital space for sharing food and digital recipes. When she shares her grandmother on Instagram it gets the most traction. “The younger ones are interested in what older people have to offer so if there is a way to connect both that is worth considering”. It’s about authenticity and genuinely connecting with young people through their interests.
– Maria, a 15-year-old undertaking volunteer work at a Greek nursing home. Her mother emphasised, “youth are longing for connection to real relationships”. Through capturing their interactions with elderly Greeks on Facebook, we raise awareness and document the value of intergenerational networks.
– Clergy in attendance: Through our work with gay young people of Greek ancestry and anyone who is vaguely different and does not fit into the “parea”, feel isolated because others don’t know what they’re going through. This is where social media can help – seeking out truly supportive online communities recommended by trusted sources – but these take time to find.
Lastly, digital media is a tool that is here to stay. If used purposefully it can only increase engagement with young people who are longing to stay connected with their Greek community.
*Dr Melina Mallos can be contacted via m.mallos@unimelb.edu.au
