Research reveals one in four "addicted" to the Internet, mobile phones and gaming

"Rather than be controlled by new IT tools and applications,

we can teach our youth to be in control."

Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 8, 2011 - The Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, one of the UAE's leading philanthropic institutions, today published the findings of a Foundation-funded academic study into Emirati youth and their use of new information technology such as the Internet, mobile phones, IPods, computers and games.

The study is entitled: "Emirati Youth's Level of Addiction to New Information Technology; Opportunities, Challenges/Dangers and Possible Solutions for a Better Future." It was carried out by Dr Mahboub Hashem, a professor of mass communication and Dr Susan Smith, an assistant professor and documentary producer, both from the American University of Sharjah.

The project was one of 13 winning entries from the Foundation's 2008 'Research into Emirati Youth' Grants competition.

Each winning entry received a grant to carry out vital research into the attitudes and habits of young Emiratis in the UAE.  Occidental Petroleum Corporation partnered in funding this project with the Emirates Foundation

The study undertaken by Dr Hashem examined how Emirati young people use new information technology and the extent to which they are dependent on - or even 'addicted' to - using these devices.

The research concluded that more female respondents than male, like to spend time online than going out or talking to others - with 43 per cent of women saying they spend over 10 hours a day on the Internet.

Women also used SMS messaging far more than men, but the female respondents used texting less for 'flirting' than their male counterparts.

And almost one in four of those polled either agreed or strongly agreed that they were addicted to using new information tools. -The researchers felt that this figure highlighted the need for more intervention from educators and parents, to ensure that youngsters are developing healthy habits when using modern technological devices.

Dr. Sabha Al Shamsi, Senior Executive Advisor of the Education and Social Development Programme at the Emirates Foundation, said: "This was a really important research study.

"We know that new information technology can build bridges between Emirati young people and those in foreign countries, as well as their own families and relatives. What  we do not know is the extent to which the young rely on information technology, or the potential for abuse of these modern forms of communication."

Dr Hashem, the project's principal investigator, commented: "The findings suggest that educational leaders and parents should pay careful attention to new information technology, not only its potential uses but also the potential abuses! It is imperative to assist young people in the UAE in developing healthy habits when surfing the Internet or using their mobile phones."

He added: "If we are in fact dealing with an addiction to the Internet - with many of the same behavioral traits as "substance" addiction - then adults may need to implement limits that protect our youth from themselves.

"Rather than be controlled by new information technology tools and their various applications, we can instead teach our youth to be in control."

The investigators surveyed 638 students, aged 16 and above, from universities across all seven Emirates. The students were presented with 28 multiple-choice questions that examined which new information tools they used and why, as well as the duration of use at home, in school or at an Internet café.

Of those surveyed, 59.15 per cent were female and 40.85 per cent were male with the majority coming from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Seven Emirati research students  were responsible for delivering the surveys and collecting the data, assisted Dr Hashem and Dr Smith during the 13-month research process.

-Ends-

About the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy:
The Emirates Foundation is one of the UAE's foremost philanthropic organizations. It offers financial and technical support to projects that enrich the lives of people in the Emirates, particularly in the areas of youth development, knowledge creation, and society and culture.

The Foundation facilitates links between commercial businesses and the public sector to devise new projects and strengthen existing nonprofit initiatives throughout the country.  Its funding comes from programme-rated contributions and a capital reserve supported by the Abu Dhabi government and private companies.

Launched on April 12, 2005 by H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, its Board of Directors is chaired by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For more information, please contact:
Doha Al Hamad
Senior Communications Coordinator
Tel: +971 2 404 2813                  
Mob: +971 50 6627930
Email: dalhamad@emiratesfoundation.ae

© Press Release 2011