I have conducted a survey concerning the use of internet and familiarity with the true social media concept in Lebanon. Having asked different people from different age groups, I have realised that social media and the world of the internet affects each generation very differently.
“I don’t go out much, to be frank. Therefore social media is a way for me to stay up-to-date about almost anything.” Mary Maroun is a 50 year old owner of a small beauty parlor. She carries on, “that way, I can know what’s going on in the world. For instance, I like fashion but I rarely go downtown to check for new collections, and Lebanese TV always talks about things that I do not feel concerned about.” Upon entering her small parlor, a small TV is spotted behind her desk, as she holds a small pink laptop between the tips of her fingers.
Suzanne Hindi is a mother of three children, two of which are university students. “It is only recently that I have become familiar with facebook. My kids are travelling in no time, and I thought it would be logical to properly start using means such as facebook in order to constantly stay in touch with them.” She clumsily clicks on her mouse, trying to reach the “close” button on the top right of the screen. Obviously, she is not a tech person at all, but maybe an aspiring one, who knows?
I have realized that most middle aged women in Lebanon make use of social media mainly to stay in touch with their relatives and loved ones. They are not specifically active nor do they contribute in expanding the concept that lies behind social media. Other purposes such as professional use come second.
Suzanne plans to buy a smartphone soon. “I really do not know how to use the internet on a phone, haven’t experience this yet. But I would like to.” At the time being, she only uses the internet on her laptop, and besides, still struggles to do so.
Carolione Feghaly is a 19 year old student at LAU. Given the fact that she is majoring in journalism, Caroline is well aware of the huge impact of social media nowadays and the fact that it is taking over traditional media. Yet, she is not an avid user of facebook, nor is she interested to try out twitter or any other social media platform. ” I use facebook mainly to play games, for minor entertainment and nothing more. I believe there are more important things to do than post things on facebook. Moreover, I prefere living the traditonal way when it comes to media. Nothing bettter than reading a tangible newspaper.”
It is a little surprising to actually discover a good bunch of people like Caroline, aged between 18 and 25, who aren’t actually really avid users of the internet and social media.
Antoine Hindi is a 54 year old medical Doctor who is also aware of the impact social media has today, but who believes it isn’t really a helpful tool for his business. ” I do use the internet, even on my phone, only to stay in touch with people important in my life and business, and also to search for things, never for entertainment or to follow up people.”
I myself was never into social media until I took the LAU social class. Never thought I’d be a social media geek. Facebook was more than enough for me, and I struggled. Right now I find myself maintaining a blog, and updating my status and presence on many social media platforms 
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