The Role of Social Media in Facilitating Behavioral Deviations Among Juveniles: A Proposed Framework for Protection from Negative Impacts in Saudi Society

An Applied Study on Juveniles in Social Observation Homes

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the role of social media in facilitating the practice of behavioral deviations between juveniles. A proposed vision was developed to protect against the resulting negative effects on Saudi society. The social survey methodology and questionnaire were used as a data collection tool. It was applied to a sample of (325) juveniles between (15-18) years, who were deposited in (8) social observation homes in the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study identified several findings, the most significant being that TikTok was the most commonly used social media platform among the sample, with (58.2%) continuous users, followed by (Snapchat) with (56%) users, and (WhatsApp) with about (38.5%). "Entertainment " was one of the key factors that contributed to attracting events to use social media, followed by "following news and events" and then "looking for people who share interests".

The study also showed that the means "WhatsApp and Instagram". They can predict a number of types of deviations in juveniles. The results showed statistically significant differences in the use of the sample for the means (Instagram only) according to the "age variable". Regarding the "nationality", variable, significant differences were observed at the 0.01 level in the use of Facebook, favoring non-Saudis. Regarding differences were the use of the sample for each of (Snapchat, Tik Tok, Twitter, Facebook), the results showed statistically significant differences according to the "education variable". In addition, there were statistically significant differences in the use of the sample means: (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) according to the "father's education variable", while the mother's education there were significant differences in the use of (Snapchat, Tik Tok only).

The results further reveled statistically significant differences in the type of deviant behavior across the following variables: (age, nationality, educational level, educational level of parents, number of times to enter the home) according to (nationality, and the number of times to enter the home). Significant differences were also identified concerning the variable of nationality and the number of times the observation center was  entered) with regard to the type of deviant behavior with a number of variables. Based on the results, the study reached the formulation of a proposed scenario aimed at preventing the impact of social media on the behavior of adolescents in Saudi society. It recommended conducting various other studies, such as qualitative or mixed studies, and using other methods such as the case study method, and the comparative method, with other samples.