The Effects of Social Media on Family Communication in the UAE

ISSN 0976-0911 e-ISSN 2249-8818

DOI: 10.15655/mw/2019/v10i2/49632

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The Effects of Social Media on Family Communication in the UAE

VIOLA GJYLBEGAJ & HUSSEIN MOHAMED ABDI

Abu Dhabi University, UAE

Abstract

Social Media has seen significant growth in variety and number of participants throughout the years; to the extent that it became part of the household itself. The heavy and unhealthy reliance on Social Media and the Internet in its entirety amongst UAE families, however, has created a noticeable void in the lack of communication between its members. Noticeably during family gatherings; members of the family appear focused intently on their devices rather than communicating with their siblings/parents, for example. An argument(s) can be made towards, preconceived reliance of the younger generation on the internet in the 21st century, family and siblings lack appropriate communication motivation, a family’s busy lifestyle, or diverse personalities within the family; could explain the apparent usage of social media to evade conversations. Nevertheless, it is a serious issue plaguing the households of UAE specifically, as we will be demonstrating the reasons and causes that instigate this lack of communication amid families of the UAE, and addressing it with empirical and primary forms of research to find solutions; in the hopes that we raise awareness towards these types of issues within UAE

Keywords: Family Communication, Social media, effects, UAE

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Viola Gjylbegaj (Ph.D., University of Rome, 2012) is an Assistant professor of Mass Communication at Abu Dhabi University, UAE. Her research interest includes linguistics, media and communication.

Hussein Mohamed Abdi is a graduate student of Mass Communication at Abu Dhabi University. viola.gjylbegaj@adu.ac.ae