The Negative Effects of Social Media on the Family (A Field Study from the Point of View of Parents In Al-Jouf Region)

Abstract

The study aimed to track, monitor and analyze the various negative impacts of social media on the contemporary family through a field study from the parents' point of view in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia. The study uses the analytical descriptive approach since it is the most appropriate for achieving the research objectives. The research sample comprised 218 fathers and mothers of the parents' group in Al-Jouf region. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program, which allowed us to draw the following results: It allowed children more freedom to engage in various personal relationships beyond parental restrictions and control; declined internal family relations between spouses, between parents and children, and between children themselves; became a source of many extraneous behavioural and moral values that are contrary to family values;contributed; exhibited family privacy on social media; weakened attention to time as an economic value in the family; negatively affected the dress code, type of language and level of communication within the family. In addition, it made necessary to educate children on the safe and positive use of social media, and on the importance of regular family activities )family trips, family dialogue sessions... etc; ensure family dialogue about the contents and trends of social media, and encourage the reporting of any risks or exploitations arising from social media.