DUBAI, Oct 10, (Agencies): In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where social media adoption is among the highest globally, a significant number of Arab youth report struggling to disconnect from these platforms, citing negative impacts on their mental health. These insights emerge from the 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, a comprehensive study conducted by MENA's leading communications consultancy, ASDA’A BCW, focusing on the region's vast demographic of over 200 million young people.

With internet penetration at 77%, surpassing the global average of 65%, MENA users maintain an average of 8.4 social media accounts, dedicating more than 3.5 hours daily to these platforms. Saudi Arabia stands out as the world's largest user of YouTube, with 68% of users favoring digital video over traditional TV.

TikTok boasts its top reach in the MENA region, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq leading the way. Moreover, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt are among the top 15 largest national markets for SnapChat.

Despite their pervasive presence, the survey reveals that nearly three-fourths (74%) of young Arabs find it challenging to disconnect from social media, with 61% acknowledging its detrimental impact on mental health.

This data was unveiled during an event organized by blinx, a digital media hub focused on Middle Eastern youth, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on October 10.

When asked about their preferred social channels, respondents indicated Facebook (18%) as their top choice, followed by Instagram (17%), WhatsApp (16%), YouTube (13%), TikTok (12%), SnapChat (11%), Twitter (8%), and LinkedIn (4%).

A noteworthy consensus emerged among Arab youth, with 92% expressing concerns about the overwhelming power wielded by major tech companies like Meta, Apple, Netflix, and Google. An equal majority (92%) emphasized the need for social media companies to take more significant action against disinformation on their platforms.

Despite their struggle to disconnect from social media, a significant number of young Arabs aspire to achieve fame through these platforms, favoring "soft career" options over traditional professions in technology, medicine, or engineering. Among the fields where they seek fame, 13% aim to become social media influencers, while 12% opt for careers related to culinary arts. Additionally, 11% express a desire for recognition through humanitarian work or technology contributions, and 10% aspire to fame in the fashion sector as designers or models.

Regional differences in career preferences are evident, with technology, engineering, and culinary arts ranking highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), while North African nations lean toward social media influence, charity work, and culinary arts. Levantine nations prioritize technology, culinary arts, and social media influence.

Despite social media dominating their lives, more than half (58%) of Arab youth define their lifestyle by "eating out," closely followed by "hanging out with friends" (57%). Other lifestyle components include wearing fashionable brands (42%), holidaying in new destinations (36%), going to the movies (31%), and driving sports cars (30%).

Although 61% of respondents report getting their news from social media, this represents a significant decline from 2019 when nearly 80% relied on social channels for news. Television remains the second most preferred news source (45%), followed by online news portals (42%). Print dailies continue to decline, with only 9% citing them as their primary news source.

Despite the high reliance on social media for news, television remains the most trusted news source among young Arabs (89%), followed by online news portals (79%) and print dailies (76%). Social media influencers, on the other hand, are viewed as "not trustworthy" by 42% of respondents.

Sunil John, President of MENA at BCW and Founder of ASDA’A BCW, underscored the importance of addressing the impact of social media on mental health, emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of the youth population.

Nakhle Elhage, General Manager of blinx, stressed the importance of authentic storytelling and responsible journalism, particularly in addressing sensitive issues without sensationalism.

The 15th edition of the Arab Youth Survey was conducted in partnership with SixthFactor Consulting, involving face-to-face interviews with 3,600 Arab citizens aged 18 to 24 in 53 cities across 18 Arab states, the largest sample in the survey’s history. The interviews were conducted in person to ensure accuracy and capture nuanced opinions across the region.

The survey's overarching theme, 'Living a New Reality,' explores various aspects of Arab youth's lives, including global citizenship, politics, livelihood, identity, and aspirations. All survey findings and expert commentaries are available on the Arab Youth Survey website.