Impact of Youtube videos on social and psychological problems among young Egyptians

Mohamed Ramadan Abaza, Sally Gad, Reem Adel

Abstract


This study examines the impact of YouTube videos on the social and psychological well-being of young Egyptians, focusing on how patterns of exposure, content preferences, and user motivations contribute to emerging behavioral and emotional challenges. YouTube has grown into a dominant digital platform among Egyptian youth, becoming a primary source of entertainment, learning, communication, and identity formation. Guided by Social Learning Theory and Uses & Gratifications Theory, this research explores how young people consume, interpret, and react to YouTube content across different regions of Egypt. The study employs a qualitative methodology consisting of twelve focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews with youth from Alexandria, Cairo, and Upper Egypt. Findings reveal that YouTube plays a dual role: while it provides access to information, skills, and social connection, it also exposes young users to harmful content, misinformation, violent imagery, and psychological pressure. Content preferences and motivations vary significantly by gender and region, reflecting different cultural and socio-economic contexts. The study concludes with recommendations for responsible content creation, increased digital awareness, and improved media regulation to ensure safer online experiences for young Egyptians.

 

Received on: 30 November 2025

Accepted on: 14 January 2026

Published on: 11 May 2026


Keywords


YouTube; Videos; Egyptian Youth; Social Learning Theory; Uses and Gratifications; Digital Media; Psychological Impact; Online Behavior; Media Effects

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References


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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/ILCC.2026.06.1.1836

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohamed Ramadan Abaza, Sally Gad, Reem Adel


Insights into Language, Culture and Communication

E-ISSN: 2812-491X

P-ISSN: 2812-4901

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

ilcc@aast.edu