The role of social media in strengthening civic engagement in the Middle East and North Africa
World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development
ISSN: 2042-5961
Article publication date: 7 July 2021
Issue publication date: 26 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the current trends in civic engagement in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region after a decade of social media growth in the region.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is based on a case studies approach. In these case studies, the authors use an exploratory approach to case study research. The authors employ a mixed-method approach to exploring the development of civic engagement in the MENA region.
Findings
The study’s finding shows that the MENA region's social media growth has enabled digital natives to play a vital role in enriching and empowering their communities and their lives.
Research limitations/implications
The paper could have explored more examples from around the MENA region.
Practical implications
The paper's practical significance is the understanding that the ground is shifting around Internet access and how digital natives in the MENA region are employing it for their civic engagement initiative. It is an important indication that the MENA region's next innovation could be in the civic engagement arena. Unlike their parents, who are digital immigrants, these young and energetic digital natives are out to shape all aspects of their lives. Paving the way for more innovative and creative ways of civic engagement in the MENA region.
Originality/value
The paper explores civic engagement development in the MENA region, shedding light on the issues concerning MENA region youth such as cleaning the environment, waste and food recycling, combating extremism, developing education curricula and even promoting peace. The paper's value is that it gives an update on civic engagement in the MENA region.
Keywords
Citation
Ahmed, A. and Gibreel, O. (2021), "The role of social media in strengthening civic engagement in the Middle East and North Africa", World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 309-317. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-02-2021-0020
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited