Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
They scroll, post, share and react in real time. Raised in a world of constant connectivity, today's youth are not only major consumers of social media; they have also become its amplifiers. But alongside their digital fluency comes responsibility, a youth leader has said.
Speaking to Aletihad, Saif Almansoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council, said young people help shape the digital environment.
"They are not just recipients of information but active participants in sharing and circulating it. This places a responsibility on them to verify information before publishing it, rely on official and credible sources, and help raise awareness within the community about the risks of spreading unconfirmed news," he said.
As regional developments unfold, social media feeds have been flooded with a constant stream of updates: some accurate, others misleading or entirely fabricated. In such moments, media literacy becomes essential, he added.
UAE authorities have repeatedly urged the public to trust only on official sources of information and to avoid sharing rumours or unfounded claims. Advisories have also reminded residents that posting or forwarding misleading information could carry legal consequences.
"In light of the constant flow of information across different platforms, media literacy has become a necessity rather than a choice," Almansoori said.
As content moves at lightning speed, young people in the UAE have also become advocates for responsible online behaviour within their families and communities. They help others navigate a digital landscape where not everything that goes viral is true.
For some families, that awareness is already visible at home. Hamda Abdullah, a mother of six, said she has noticed that her children are becoming more conscious of the risks of misinformation online.
"Recently, my 21-year-old child even reminded me not to forward messages circulating on WhatsApp unless I make sure they are verified," she told Aletihad. "This shows that this generation of young people is becoming more aware of misinformation. In many cases, they are even educating older family members and reminding them to be careful about what they share online."
Abdullah now makes a point of verifying information through official websites before believing or sharing it.
"Sometimes what circulates online does not reflect reality and only increases people's fears. Life continues - we simply need to take precautions," she said.
This growing emphasis on verification also mirrors public awareness of how quickly content can spread online, particularly during times of uncertainty.
Rand Zoorob, a Lebanese resident born and raised in Dubai, said checking official sources has become an essential habit.
"When I see information online, I usually check the original source or official UAE channels to make sure it is accurate. I follow verified platforms to confirm the news," she said.
By filtering out rumours and false claims, the country's resilience, preparedness, and balanced approach remain clear.
"Some people may feel a bit worried because we're not used to certain situations, so it can create some tension. At the same time, we remain calm and optimistic. We trust the government and believe the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, so even when things are concerning, we know we are in safe hands," Zoorob said.
