Youth use of social media in Omani society: An analytical review

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the content of previous studies on social media use in Omani society, published during the period from 2011 to 2023. Using the convenience sampling method, a sample size of (23) studies was selected. A content analysis form was used to analyze the studies with systematic objective description, and the face validity and reliability of the form (0.96) were verified. Results showed that the quantitative descriptive approach using the questionnaire as a data collection tool is the most widely used to study the phenomenon of social media use in Omani society. Six main themes emerged from the outcomes of the previous studies: most widely used social media, intensity of social media use, motives and reasons for using social media, effects of using social media, differences in using social media and their effects, and specific factors for using social media. The recommendations of the previous studies mainly targeted students and young people. The study concluded that research on Omani youth’s use of social media remains a fertile field requiring more in-depth studies.