Social Media in the GCC`s Countries - Facilitator or Curse for Generation "Z"?

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the directions and the magnitude of the social change in some of member's states of Golf Cooperation Council (GCC), by analyzing how traditional family interactions and pattern evolution are modeled by the influences exercised by social media. We will delve on the impact of internet technology and social media on Arab self, but also on human connectivity, and the perpetuation of gender and age hierarchies as distinctive characteristics of Arab family/. Social media has a tremendous impact on how people share ideas and visions, but also on how they define and reparesent themselves and the social environment. Detached from traditional institutions, more members of Arab societies are seduced by the illusion of an ever evolving and confident identity, a deception generously offered by the social media. Of interest for our topic is not only the prospect of women empowerment, movement fueled by social media, but also the stability of Arab male identity which is so powerfully based on patriarchy and their role in protecting the tradition. We propose that through an historical analysis (starting with independence) to evaluate what can be perceived as dramatic confusion in Arab identity, a process which may lead to various social evolutions, more or less peaceful. As such, the role of the 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.