BEHAVIORAL TREND AND INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUTHS AMID COVID19 PANDEMIC IN UAE

Abstract

As per the situation report published by W.H.O (World Health Organization) on Jan 21, 2020, unknown pneumonia-causing etiology was detected in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China. It was later confirmed as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It caused a spiraling chain effect on social media wherein numerous facts, home remedies of curing coronavirus, vitamins, and mineral supplements were shared without any decisive research to assess their value in patients suffering from coronavirus. The study aims to assess the behavioral pattern of the youths while assessing social media in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the COVID19 pandemic. Also, to study the role of social media in discerning fake news and disinformation. The study was conducted using a questionnaire to evaluate the effect of social media among 7 emirates of UAE using a sample size of 407 youths. The data collected and analyzed using SPSS software using a content analysis method. The study shows a significant impact of social media on both male and female youths in the UAE amid the COVID19 pandemic. 75.19% of youths access social media via their respective smartphones. 48.40% agree that false information is disseminated via social media. The study shows the potential effect of social media is causing a negative influence on youths in the UAE. leading to the spread of misinformation and strengthening the rise of infodemic. Coordinated efforts are needed to flatten the infodemic curve. This study plays a strategic role in showcasing the behavioral pattern and influence of social media on youths amid the COVID19 pandemic. Facts need to be checked from trusted sources and any misinformation should be reported by educating youths in the UAE to credible resources.