Dorna Ketabchi: Transnational Iranian Mothers: The experiences of Navigating Family and everyday life through social media

<p dir="ltr">In an era of globalization, migration reshapes family structures and communication. Many migrants rely on social media to sustain transnational connections, but these platforms also introduce complexities affecting relationships and well-being. This study explores the lived experiences of Iranian mothers in New Zealand in maintaining long-distance family communication through social media, focusing on their strategies, challenges, and emotional responses. Semi-structured interviews with ten mothers were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, with ATLAS.ti 25 supporting coding and organisation. Five key themes emerged: adaptation strategies, mothers as gatekeepers, communication barriers, social media’s supportive role for mental well-being, and challenges in facilitating digital communication. The findings reveal varied experiences shaped by migration circumstances and highlight mothers’ distinct roles in sustaining family ties. This study enhances understanding of the emotional, logistical, and social impacts of digital communication in migration contexts.</p>