Social Media Algorithms and Behavioural Influence: Dubai Youth Case Study Analysis

Abstract

In an era where algorithmic systems increasingly mediate digital experiences, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping user behaviour, particularly among youth populations around the world. This paper examines the phenomenon of algorithmic amplification and its influence on the social media habits, perceptions, and civic engagement of young people living in Dubai. Through qualitative interviews and digital ethnography, the study investigates how the recommendation algorithms on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram curate content streams that reinforce existing beliefs, preferences, and social imaginaries. These algorithmic processes often lead to the formation of echo chambers and filter bubbles, narrowing the diversity of perspectives available to the young users and subtly guiding their cultural and political orientations. The research highlights the ways in which the youth actively engage with algorithmically curated content, demonstrating both agency and vulnerability in their digital practices. It explores how such engagement shapes their understanding of social issues, contributes to identity formation, and influences their sense of digital citizenship in a rapidly globalizing yet locally situated media environment. Particular attention is given to the ethical implications of algorithmic design, including the prioritization of engagement metrics over accuracy, and the risks posed by the amplification of misinformation and polarizing content. By situating the study within broader debates on social media regulation, media literacy, and critical digital engagement, the paper contributes to ongoing conversations about the role of algorithms in shaping public discourse and civic participation. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted media literacy interventions that equip the youth with the skills to critically navigate algorithmic environments, as well as policy frameworks that hold platforms accountable for the social consequences of their design choices. Ultimately, the study calls for a more equitable and transparent digital ecosystem that empowers young people to participate meaningfully and responsibly in civic life.