The more people use technology, the more they adopt conscious digital consumption habits. 

According to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) Digital Wellbeing Global Report 2024, people are finding a better balance in their use of technology. They are increasingly aware of its negative impact on their health. For example, in the UAE, the number of people spending too much online has declined by a fifth in the past two years.

Countries with more active social media usage view it as a force for societal good, but many are concerned about online bullying. The report found that a quarter of respondents have been bullied online, and this is even higher in the UAE at 29%, and about 78% of those surveyed in the UAE view AI as positive, expressing confidence in their government’s capacity to regulate digital content. 

Globally, respondents of all ages are increasingly adopting conscious digital consumption habits, with a majority now choosing to spend their online time intentionally rather than engaging in purposeless scrolling.

The survey found GCC countries have topped the digital connectivity ranking, with UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait in the top 5 positions. 

Many countries have embraced digital education and training, but middle-income countries must emphasize digital skills, such as digital safety tools or the ability to verify misinformation in curricula, said the report.

The key findings of the report are:

A Healthier Balance: People are finding a better balance in their use of technology and are increasingly aware of its negative impact on their health. In the UAE, the number of people spending too much time online has declined by a fifth in the past two years.

All Eyes on AI: Artificial intelligence dominates people’s lives, but many do not understand it. In the UAE, most of the public feels AI is a force for good.

A New Era of Social Media: Countries with more active social media use view it as a force for societal good, but many are concerned about online bullying. A quarter of respondents have been bullied online, and this is even higher in the UAE.

Gamers Take the Reins: Most gamers, and around two-thirds in the UAE, say it has a positive impact on their lives, but for the more avid ones, gaming is an escape mechanism.

Impact of Flexibility at Work: Though digital technology enables hybrid and flexible working, it also affects personal boundaries. Some remote working is now the reality for many worldwide, but most still work in person in the UAE.

Regulations are Vital: The public calls for greater technology regulation, and data collection is their biggest concern. In the UAE, people have confidence in their government’s ability to regulate content on the internet.

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