Social Media in the GCC Countries—Facilitator or Curse for Generation “Z”?
The aim of this paper is to explore the directions of the social change in some of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries, by analyzing how traditional interactions between generations and pattern evolution are modeled by influences exercised through the use of internet, and in particular of social media. We will delve on the impact of internet technology and social media on (Arab) self, but also on human connectivity. Social media has a tremendous impact on how people share ideas and visions, but also on how they define and represent themselves and the social environment. Detached from traditional institutions, more members of Arab societies may be seduced by the illusion of an ever evolving and confident identity, a deception/dream generously offered by the social media. As such, the role of ruling political elites might be highly challenging, not only in ensuring the stability of their societies, but also in stimulating a solid societal identity in an increasingly unpredictable and complex international environment.
Other Information
Published in: Social Change and Transformation in the Gulf Region
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7796-1_2
History
Language
- English
Publisher
Springer SingaporePublication Year
- 2023
License statement
This Item is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International LicenseInstitution affiliated with
- Qatar National Library