Negative Repercussions of Social Media in Light of Developments in Media and Communication

ABSTRACT Background: Advancements in media and communications have come with rapid social media growth that has introduced risks to economies, societies, and policies. Aim: To assess the significance of social media’s negative repercussions across the economy, society, and policy, and the most affected groups. Methodology: The research adopted a quantitative design using an electronic questionnaire sampling experts in the social sciences, media and education across Saudi universities (n=276). Results: Risk of social media on the three domains is deemed very high, with the risk on policy deemed as the greatest. Under the economic domain, the key risks related to unemployment and productivity losses, while cultural bias, rebellion, and rumors were the most prominent risks related to society. With regards to policy, the greatest risks are related to non-compliance with the law, incitement, and polarization. The poor, women, ideological groups, minorities, and youth, in that order, were the groups perceived as the most influenced.