The Impact of Social Media on Ethical Values in a Distressed Society: Iraq as a Case Study

Bayt al-Hikma – Department of Social Studies, in cooperation with the Iraqi University and the Watani Organization for Relief and Development, organized a scientific workshop titled “The Impact of Social Media on Ethical Values in a Distressed Society: Iraq as a Case Study” on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, at the Miraya Hall in Bayt al-Hikma.

The session was chaired by Prof. Waleed Abdul-Jabbar Al-Khafaji, a member of the Advisory Team of the Department of Social Studies, and the rapporteur was Dr. Nawar Ali Ahmed from Bayt al-Hikma.

The workshop highlighted the influence of social media platforms on ethical values within Iraqi society and examined how digital platforms have reshaped individual behavior and public perception—particularly among youth and women. It also emphasized the role of educational, media, and religious institutions in guiding the proper use of these platforms and in addressing the value shifts emerging from the widespread adoption of digital communication in Iraq.

A number of scientific papers and research studies were presented during the workshop. Among the key contributions was the study by Prof. Qutaiba Abbas Hamad from the College of Education for Women at the Iraqi University, titled “Values in Iraqi Society and the Role of Educational Institutions in Regulating the Use of Social Media.” His research underscored the vital educational role in preserving authentic values and promoting responsible engagement with digital platforms.

Social researcher and media expert Talib Jabbar Al-Ahmad, Senior Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister, presented a paper titled “The Image of Iraqi Women on Facebook,” which analyzed how digital spaces shape the public perception of women and the social implications of these representations.

Additionally, Prof. Ahmed Yaseen Abd Ali from the College of Administration and Economics at the Iraqi University delivered his study titled “Social Media and Its Impact on Changing Public Value Perceptions,” explaining the behavioral and social transformations driven by daily interaction with digital platforms.

Dr. Nidaa Sabah Al-Kaabi from Imam Jaafar Al-Sadiq University and President of the Future of the Nation Organization for Relief and Development presented her paper, “Value Transformations in the Era of Digital Communication,” focusing on the impact of social media on the ethical structure of Iraqi society.

The workshop also featured a presentation by Prof. Marwan Sabah Yaseen from the College of Arts at the Iraqi University, titled “Social Media and the Reshaping of Values Among Iraqi Youth: A Religious and Social Perspective,” which explored the role of digital platforms in shaping youth awareness from both ethical and religious viewpoints.

At the conclusion of the workshop, researchers presented several observations and recommendations stressing the need to promote digital awareness, strengthen the collective role of educational, media, and religious institutions in safeguarding societal values, and foster a more responsible and secure digital environment.

For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Bayt al-Hikma, Dr. Qahtan Naama Hassan Al-Khafaji, emphasized that the impact of social media on ethical values in Iraq represents a major challenge amid rapid digital transformations. He noted that Bayt al-Hikma is committed to providing a scientific platform to address such issues and develop visions that help protect values, enhance digital awareness, and support efforts to make social media a positive space that promotes ethics and serves the national interest.