How Do Social Media Influencers Change Adolescents' Behavior? An Evidence from Middle East Countries

Overview

Journal Heliyon

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2023 May 11

PMID 37168884

Authors

Abdullah M Al-Ansi

Manar Hazaimeh

Aseel Hendi

Jebril Al-Hrinat

Ghadeer Adwan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Social Media Influencers (SMIs) refer to content creators, entertainment and art vloggers, online gamers, online streamers and any other activities related to social media. SMIs have gained significant portion of media today replacing tradition media and increasingly interacting in education, economy and entertainment world. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of SMIs on adolescents' behavior including intellectual, social, ethical and healthy aspects from the adolescents' perception and perspectives in Middle East countries. Online survey included 27 items was structured and distributed in five Middle East countries. By using convenience sampling, 1612 adolescents (aged 12-22) have completed the questionnaire. Results revealed that SMIs have positive significant impact on adolescents' intellectual aspect while this impact was also significant but negative with different degrees on social, ethical health aspects of adolescents in Middle East countries. Results also revealed that Facebook, what's app and Instagram were the most dominants social media platforms used among adolescents in Middle East countries. This study yields major theoretical contribution as it explores the SMIs influence on adolescents in Middle East and building examination tool based on characteristics and culture of Middle East region.

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