The Malayali Diaspora in Digital Space

Social alliances within the diaspora have grabbed the attention of communication scholars in recent times. In particular, in the post-pandemic world it has been observed that diasporic communities have been influenced heavily by technological advancements. The term ‘digital diaspora’ is proposed in this context to denote diasporic communities that use digital platforms to move across the time–space continuum, materialise cultural memories and manifest desires and affect. Yet, how the diaspora communities engage and negotiate with the new technologies, and how the intersection of these technologies, affect and identity reinforce or challenge their communication practices, are novel areas of exploration in academia. In this regard, the present study aims to explore the digital practices of the Malayali diaspora and shed light on the ways they negotiate with their present diasporic conditions. Further, it investigates how loss and hope are addressed in social media content and comments.