Media Influence and Youth Migration Imaginaries Through Traditional and Social Platforms in the Context of Perception and Decision-Making

This quantitative, descriptive-correlational study investigates the influence of traditional and social media shape migration imaginaries among Andean Ecuadorian youth. Data were collected from 1,048 secondary students in 11 institutions across three provinces using a structured questionnaire. Among several platforms, YouTube, Facebook, and X showed the strongest influence on perceptions of structural causes, benefits, and sociocultural–economic challenges, while traditional media had marginal effects. Findings underscore the strategic role of digital ecosystems in shaping migration-related decision-making and underscore the need for culturally grounded communication strategies and media literacy initiatives in high-mobility contexts.