Marshallese Islanders Rely on Technology to Stay Connected to Home
In the face of economic struggle and the unforgiving effects of climate change, the people of the Marshall Islands are turning to technology in order to stay connected to their beloved homeland.
“I remember spending summers at my uncle’s place on the islands,” says local resident Tom Simpson. “We’d go spearfishing, hunt for coconut crabs, and even sing old Marshallese pop songs. It was paradise.”
But with the ongoing threat of rising sea levels and the destruction of these once-pristine islands, many Marshallese have been forced to leave their home in search of a better life. That’s why they’re turning to technology to stay connected.
“I’m always on my phone, Snapchatting pictures of my mom’s cooking and video chatting with my little sister,” says Marshallese expat Sarah Johnson. “It’s not the same as being there, but it’s the next best thing.”
Others have taken to social media to share their favorite memories of the island nation, using hashtags like #IslandLife and #MarshallIslandsForever.
Despite the hardships they face, the people of the Marshall Islands remain fiercely proud of their heritage and determined to stay connected to their home, no matter where they may be.
“We may not be there physically, but we’ll always be Marshallese,” says Simpson. “And with technology, we can keep the spirit of our islands alive.”
