Source: Al Arabiya
Security & Justice
Israeli Army Expands Ground Operations to New Areas in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that its 98th Division has kicked off operations in new areas of southern Lebanon, intensifying efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Argentina Withdraws Three Officers from UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon
Argentina has notified the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon that it is withdrawing three of its officers, a UNIFIL spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Opinion
Berri's Exclusive Control Over Ceasefire Talks: A Threat to National Interests?
As U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein continues his shuttle diplomacy between Tel Aviv and Beirut, aiming to broker a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanese political sources are increasingly calling for transparency in the negotiations. With the possibility of a ceasefire agreement looming, many are demanding that the Lebanese public be made aware of the terms being discussed behind closed doors, especially given the high stakes for Lebanon’s future and security.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
From Struggle to Strength: Lebanon’s Agro-entrepreneurs in Uncertain Times
The war on Lebanon, while selective and impacting some sectors less than others, has left no sector untouched. Niche businesses in the real economy — those small, specialized enterprises that often represent the heart of the community — are more vulnerable than large enterprises.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Sports
Alcaraz Beats Rublev to Open ATP Finals Account
Carlos Alcaraz opened his account at the ATP Finals on Wednesday with an entertaining 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) win over Andrey Rublev which boosted his hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Ecuador's Angulo, 22, Dies a Month After Car Crash
Ecuador international Marco Angulo has died at the age of 22 just over a month after being seriously injured in a car crash, his club has announced.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Monday 22 July 2024 13:05:23
How Many People Use Social Media?
Now nearly vital to modern life, social media connects people across the globe, aids communication, and affects daily activities. The number of people using social media worldwide continues to grow, reflecting its importance and ubiquity in contemporary society.
As of early 2024, Statista reports reveal there are approximately 5.4 billion social media users globally. That’s more than 60 percent of the global population. Smartphone use and internet access have played a big role in this boom, making it easier than ever for people to get online and join social media.
Most popular social media platforms
Since it began, social media has been evolving, with several platforms emerging as leaders in the digital space. Check out a few of the most popular platforms based on their user bases:
Facebook: Since Facebook started, it has been a major player in social media. With nearly 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains the biggest social media platform. Its vast user base spans various demographics and regions.
YouTube: Boasting over 2.5 billion monthly active users, YouTube is a leading platform for video content. It remains popular with users looking for both entertainment and information.
WhatsApp: With around 2.3 billion users, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app. It is commonly used for personal and business communication.
Instagram: Instagram has just about 2 billion users and is particularly popular among younger audiences for photo and video sharing.
TikTok: One of the fastest-growing social media platforms is TikTok. It has amassed about 1.6 billion users. Short-form video content has driven its growth, resonating with younger demographics.
Twitter/X: With roughly 450 million users, Twitter (now rebranded as “X”) remains an influential platform for real-time news and public discourse.
Regional variations
Social media usage varies significantly by region. Globally, Statista reports show social network penetration rates reach 62.3 percent, with Northern Europe topping the charts at 81.7 percent. Conversely, though numbers are rising for Eastern and Middle Africa, they report lower rates at 10.1 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively.
Based on Statista research, the following regions boast some of the most significant user bases:
Asia: Asia is home to the largest number of social media users, driven by populous countries like India and China. Platforms like Facebook, WeChat, and TikTok are prevalent here.
North America and Europe: Both North America and Europe have high social media rates. They use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Africa and Latin America: Africa and Latin America have lower overall usage rates than Asia, North America, and Europe. But social media use is growing fast in these regions, aided by increasing internet access.
Social media demographics
Social media platforms attract diverse demographics with distinct preferences and behaviors. Studies from Pew Research reflect how people connect and interact online.
Ages 18-29: YouTube (93 percent), Instagram (78 percent), Facebook (67 percent), Snapchat (65 percent), TikTok (62 percent), Reddit (44 percent), WhatsApp (32 percent), LinkedIn (32 percent).
Ages 30-49: YouTube (92 percent), Facebook (75 percent), Instagram (59 percent), LinkedIn (40 percent), TikTok (39 percent), WhatsApp (38 percent), Reddit (31 percent), Snapchat (30 percent).
Ages 50-64: YouTube (83 percent), Facebook (69 percent), Instagram (35 percent), Pinterest (33 percent), LinkedIn (31 percent), WhatsApp (29 percent), TikTok (24 percent), Reddit (11 percent).
Ages 65+: YouTube (60 percent), Facebook (58 percent), Pinterest (21 percent), WhatsApp (16 percent), Instagram (15 percent), LinkedIn (12 percent), TikTok (10 percent), Reddit (3 percent).
How much time do people spend on social media?
On average, Internet users spend 143 minutes daily on social media, according to 2024 Statista reports. That’s a slight decrease from 151 minutes the year before. Brazil leads in daily social media use, with users spending an average of just under four hours daily on social media. The US trails at two hours and 16 minutes.
Additionally, studies reveal that most social media users credit its usage as having a significant impact on their daily lives. According to Statista, more than 50percent of respondents credit social media with promoting greater communication, freedom of expression, and access to information.
Yet advantages seldom come without some drawbacks. Conversely, respondents also reported worsening personal privacy, increased political polarization, and more distractions during the day. Whether the pros of social media outweigh the cons might come down to personal perspective and preference.