Open Access

ARTICLE

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Afghan Youth’s Digital Culture: A Quantitative Study of Identity, Norms, and Cultural Preservation

Sabghatullah Ghorzang^1,2,*, İhsan Karlı^1,*

1 Media Studies, Kocaeli Üniversitesi, Umuttepe, İzmit, Türkiye
2 Journalism, Kandahar University, Kandahar, Afghanistan

* Corresponding Authors: Sabghatullah Ghorzang. Email: ; İhsan Karlı. Email:

Journal of New Media 2026, 7, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.32604/jnm.2026.076922

Received 28 November 2025; Accepted 26 January 2026; Issue published 24 March 2026

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the interplay between social media and cultural identity among Afghan youth is of growing significance. This study examines how social media influences the digital culture of Afghan youth, using Social Identity Theory (SIT) to explore digital behaviors, identity formation, and cultural preservation. With a sample of 400 participants, the research addresses key gaps by analyzing the impact of social media on societal norms, cultural values, and online relationships. The findings highlight social media’s pivotal role in shaping Afghan digital culture, with a particular emphasis on the active engagement of youth in political, religious, sports, and entertainment content. However, the study reveals a notable gap in the sharing of educational content. Practical recommendations are offered for leveraging social media to promote cultural preservation while mitigating potential negative effects. This research contributes to the understanding of how digital culture can be nurtured to respect tradition while embracing innovation, ultimately fostering a vibrant and sustainable digital environment.

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Keywords

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