@Article{jnm.2026.076922,
AUTHOR = {Sabghatullah Ghorzang, İhsan Karlı},
TITLE = {Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Afghan Youth’s Digital Culture: A Quantitative Study of Identity, Norms, and Cultural Preservation},
JOURNAL = {Journal of New Media},
VOLUME = {7},
YEAR = {2026},
NUMBER = {1},
PAGES = {1--16},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/JNM/v7n1/66716},
ISSN = {2579-0129},
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.},
DOI = {10.32604/jnm.2026.076922}
}