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The Arab Youth Survey 2023 has revealed a growing concern among young Arabs regarding the negative impact of social media on their mental well-being. With over 60% of participants expressing worries about the influence of social media on their lives, it’s evident that the digital age has introduced unique challenges for the youth of the Arab world. This article delves into the key findings of the survey, shedding light on the profound effects of social media on the mental health of Arab youths.
Social Media addiction and disconnect struggles
The survey’s results are staggering, with 74% of young Arabs admitting to struggling to disconnect from social media. This figure increases to a staggering 82% when focusing on youth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. The allure of social media, the desire to stay connected, and the fear of missing out on what’s happening online have left a significant portion of young Arabs feeling trapped within the confines of their digital personas.
Sunil John, the founder of Asda’a BCW, the PR agency behind the survey, suggests that social media has become a defining aspect of the youth’s lifestyle. Many are opting for a shot at fame as social media influencers rather than pursuing traditional careers. This shift has led to concerns about young people living in a “bubble,” unaware of the socioeconomic realities that surround them. It’s a critical issue, particularly when considering the high youth unemployment rates in the region.
Seeking fame as Influencers
An astonishing 13% of young Arabs aspired to become “social media influencers,” making it the most desired profession among respondents. This preference for the influencer lifestyle surpasses other career options like education, business, healthcare, and tourism. These aspirations highlight the growing influence of social media in shaping young Arabs’ career goals, often at the expense of more traditional and potentially stable professions.
Challenges of unrealistic expectations
The overwhelming desire for fame as influencers comes with its set of challenges. Many respondents expressed that endless scrolling through social media platforms can negatively impact their mental health. The constant exposure to curated, picture-perfect lives of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, unfulfillment, and low self-esteem. This issue has become so overwhelming that some respondents mentioned feeling anxious and falling behind if they stopped using social media.
The influence of big tech and disinformation
A significant 92% of surveyed youths believed that big tech companies, such as Meta, Apple, Netflix, and Google, hold too much power. Additionally, they expressed concerns about social media companies not doing enough to combat disinformation on their platforms. This concern was shared among young people across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, North Africa, and the Levant.
Shift in news consumption
Online platforms have been steadily losing their status as the primary source of news, with only 61% of young Arabs getting their news from these platforms in 2023, down from 80% in 2019. Television, on the other hand, has remained the second most preferred source of news, with 45% of young Arabs choosing it.
Online portals have emerged as a growing source of news, preferred by 42% of respondents, indicating a shift in how Arab youths access information. Conversely, daily print newspapers continue to decline in popularity, with only 9% considering them their preferred source of news.
The Arab Youth Survey 2023 paints a concerning picture of how social media is affecting the mental well-being of Arab youths. While these platforms have become integral parts of their lives, they also bring challenges related to disconnection struggles, unrealistic expectations, and concerns about the influence of big tech companies.
As young Arabs grapple with the mental health impact of their digital lives, it becomes increasingly important for society to prioritize their well-being and encourage them to find a balance between the digital and real world.
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