This paper reflects an extensive and in-depth review of the literature on the
role of hyper-reality in our contemporary lives and its impact on our migratory
decisions. Hyper-reality is defined as the somewhat surreal ability to peer into
living rooms thousands of miles away using state-of-the-art communication
technology such as Skype Examining development issues, one could highlight
groups of individuals for whom living conditions have improved substantively
back home and who choose not to migrate, based on what they see in the
receiving country, in terms of reversal of cultural norms and erosion of traditional
values. Or, migrants in the receiving country might choose to turn their attention
homeward to take advantage of upbeat economies, viewing the increase in
material prosperity firsthand through the new informational communication
technologies. The paper includes aspects of material,, including a chapter by
Buzzi & Megele on “hyper-reality” in our upcoming co-edited book, an anthology
of global writings on migration, technology and transculturation (Lindenwood
University Press, 2011). The paper concludes with perspectives on reversing the
“brain drain” which has created pockets of wealth in educated new-immigrant
communities in the developed world while creating shortages in the developing
world. The paper builds on the three conceptual strands in the German &
Banerjee co-edited book, starting with material on “digital diasporas”
(technology), moving into material on “social networks” and “chains of migration”
from certain locations (transculturation or social perspective) to future migration
scenarios (as in reversing the “brain drain”).