JEDDAH: Social media has proven to be a double-edged sword as such tools can both maintain and organize family relationships through constant and rapid communications, as well as cause family problems, spread rumors, and be dangerously and negatively addictive.

Chat groups on the highly popular WhatsApp smartphone application is an increasing example of this, as the groups have transferred family meetings and routine gatherings with friends to electronic communication, offering both advantages and disadvantages.

The recent workshops at the GCC Youth Media Forum in Jeddah, which included 80 youth participations from the youth activities unit at the General Presidency of Youth Welfare, explored this phenomenon.

A scientific study completed by a group of students at King Saud University in Riyadh, and presented at the forum, reveals smart phones corrupt and negatively affect familial relations in 44 percent of Saudi families. According to Waleed Al-Rashid of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare, groups on WhatsApp are responsible for 49 percent of neglect toward family responsibilities, where 35 percent spend between four and six hours per day on their phones resulting in weakened family ties.

As for the negative and positive effects of such social media platforms, and potential solutions to undesired side effects, Bashayer Halwani says she has self-imposed limits for her use of groups, and tries to remain active on family group chats to learn of news.

Shorouq Al-Thanhani says the use of group chats helps her remain connected to various members of her family, but such groups can also lead to family problems due to spreading rumors and loss of trust among members.

According to Professor Mansour Al-Mansor of the GCC General Secretariat, Gulf youths often spend their time on things that do not benefit them, and thus the council is working on holding awareness workshops for youths about the dangers, and to guide them by connecting them with experts in the field.

On the other hand, Khaled Al-Mari believes WhatsApp groups have organized his work and life, as they allow him to obtain information faster and connect with people further away.

Lawyer Ibrahim Al-Ali has called for increased awareness about personal rights and activation of the anti-information crime system, as this is the only solution to stop abuse via such groups such as shaming. He said group administrators hold the legal responsibility for any violations. Dr. Khalid bin Saud Al-Halibi, director of the Family Development Center in Al-Ahsa, stressed the importance of enhancing a comprehensive and integrated family unit that regulates usage of WhatsApp and smart phones in general, and to impose some controls in order to limit the side effects of technology, especially among children between the ages of two and seven years old.