# The Geography of Information Diffusion in Online Discourse on Europe and Migration

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.13800 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.13800/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 5 of its 46 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 21 Feb 2024.

## Builds on (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Changes in Twitter geolocations: Insights and suggestions for future usage](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2108.12251/) (2021)
- [Geo-located Twitter as the proxy for global mobility patterns](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1311.0680/) (2013)
- [Immigrant community integration in world cities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1611.01056/) (2016)
- [Quote RTs on Twitter: Usage of the New Feature for Political Discourse](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1603.07933/) (2016)
- [Migrant mobility flows characterized with digital data](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1908.02540/) (2019)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The online diffusion of information related to Europe and migration has been little investigated from an external point of view. However, this is a very relevant topic, especially if users have had no direct contact with Europe and its perception depends solely on information retrieved online. In this work we analyse the information circulating online about Europe and migration after retrieving a large amount of data from social media (Twitter), to gain new insights into topics, magnitude, and dynamics of their diffusion. We combine retweets and hashtags network analysis with geolocation of users, linking thus data to geography and allowing analysis from an "outside Europe" perspective, with a special focus on Africa. We also introduce a novel approach based on cross-lingual quotes, i.e. when content in a language is commented and retweeted in another language, assuming these interactions are a proxy for connections between very distant communities. Results show how the majority of online discussions occurs at a national level, especially when discussing migration. Language (English) is pivotal for information to become transnational and reach far. Transnational information flow is strongly unbalanced, with content mainly produced in Europe and amplified outside. Conversely Europe-based accounts tend to be self-referential when they discuss migration-related topics. Football is the most exported topic from Europe worldwide. Moreover, important nodes in the communities discussing migration-related topics include accounts of official institutions and international agencies, together with journalists, news, commentators and activists.