Social Media in the Middle East 2022: A Year in Review

Abstract

This annual report, the eleventh in a series dating back to 2012, provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of social media in the Middle East. As the most comprehensive and up-to-date study of its kind, it is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the region's digital landscape.

In this paper, we examine the most popular social media platforms and the ways in which people are using them. We explore the impact of social media on politics, business and culture in the region. Our findings will be of interest to anyone interested in how social media shapes the way we connect with one another, as well as the ways in which we consume and find information. These trends are relevant to marketers, journalists, brands and businesses, as well as government agencies and public bodies.

Over the past decade, the Middle East has seen a significant increase in social media adoption. Today, it boasts some of the highest penetration rates of social media in the world, making it a key market for platforms and businesses looking to engage with Arab audiences.

From staying in touch with friends and family to consuming news and entertainment, social media - as it is around the world - is an integral part of daily life in the region. Social media is also playing an increasingly important role in politics, with many politicians and activists using the platforms to connect with the public and mobilize support for their policies.

Keywords: social media, social network, social networking, middle east, mena region, mena, arab world, trends, research, facebook, instagram, meta, messaging apps, whats app, facebook messenger, telegram, snapchat, youtube, online video, tiktok, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, mobile

JEL Classification: O53, O55, O38, O3, O30, M3, M30, M31, M37, M39, L18