30 days offline: Could UAE teens give up social media?
Dubai: Social media has become deeply woven into the daily lives of teenagers, from keeping up with friends and school activities to following news, discovering opportunities, and simply passing time. But what would happen if young people in the UAE switched off their social media accounts for an entire month? For some, the idea sounds difficult because platforms have become a major source of…
Dubai: Teenagers in the UAE are increasingly dependent on social media for various aspects of their lives, from academic pursuits to social interaction. The question arises: could these young individuals go 30 days without social media? Gulf News spoke with several UAE teens to gauge their thoughts on the matter.
Gogulnath Dhayalan, an 18-year-old student, acknowledged the challenge of stepping away from social media. He relies on it for news, entertainment, and daily routines but recognized that a month-long break could improve sleep and concentration. Dhayalan suggested that finding a balance between online and offline activities is crucial.
Bashaar Irfan Naik, also 19, agreed that quitting social media for a month would be difficult due to concerns about real-life connections and FOMO. However, he noted that his social media use has improved his focus during exams, allowing more time for family, friends, and nature. Naik advised teenagers to use social media for connection, news, learning, and opportunities but not to let it overshadow real-life priorities.
16-year-old Tia Pankaj Jagasia took a more optimistic stance, stating that teenagers can successfully go a month without social media by setting boundaries such as screen-time limits or temporary deactivation. She believed that a break could enhance concentration and time management, potentially even enabling her to finish assignments ahead of deadlines. Jagasia emphasized the importance of controlling social media rather than letting it control them, as real-life experiences remain irreplaceable.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
