Boys turn to likes of Andrew Tate in absence of male role models: Consultant psychiatrist
In a Special Interview on Al Arabiya News presented by Joanne Serrieh, Dr. Jon Goldin, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, discusses the mental health struggles younger generations, like Gen Z and Millennials, are facing and what can actually help.
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Arab News
29-06-2025
- Arab News
How news from the Middle East is shaping Gen Z's mental well-being
DUBAI: Gen Z — those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s — consumes more news than any other type of content, according to a new study unveiled by the UNICEF-led Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health — a finding that many may find surprising. What is less surprising, however, is the emotional toll that constant exposure to global headlines appears to be taking on young people. The study, based on a survey of more than 5,600 people aged 14 to 25 globally, found that 60 percent of Zoomers reported feeling overwhelmed by the news. Despite these pressures, they remain determined to contribute to shaping a better future. In a statement to Arab News, Dr. Zeinab Hijazi, UNICEF's global lead on mental health, said such anxieties are shaped by a combination of geopolitical conflict, climate and ecological crisis, and economic uncertainty. 'For many, especially young people, the weight of these overlapping crises is not abstract — it's deeply personal, showing up in their minds, their bodies, and their sense of hope for the future,' said Hijazi. The study, which was unveiled at the Social Innovation Summit in San Francisco, raises concerns that feelings of being overwhelmed and disempowered may be eroding young people's sense of agency. This is hindering their ability to help shape the future they envision for themselves and generations to come. This impact on mental health is compounded, the study states, by inadequate support and services available to young people. 'It can feel as though we are caught in a constant storm of challenges, with little control over the forces shaping our world,' said Hijazi. Given its serious repercussions, Hijazi emphasized that mental health should not be treated as a side effect of global disruption, but as a central pillar of collective efforts to empower youth in shaping a better future. While Gen Z tends to feel connected and engaged with world events, around 67 percent of the global cohort reported feeling overwhelmed after exposure to news or events in the world, more than news in their country (60 percent) or their community (40 percent). Escalating geopolitical tensions and instability in the Middle East, particularly since the onset of Israel's latest war on Gaza in 2023, have raised concerns among analysts about the long-term impact on youth and the potential for fomenting extremism in times of unrest and uncertainty. Psychologists and media analysts believe that exposure to such news through social media platforms also increases the emotional toll on young users. Dr. Shaima Al-Fardan, a UAE-based clinical psychologist, highlighted the impact of constant exposure to news and endless scrolling on youth development. 'It can isolate youth from real-life social interactions, which in turn hinders the development of essential social skills. It also consistently heightens negative emotions, reinforcing those emotional patterns over time.' According to Attest, a consumer research platform, social media platforms serve as the primary news source for Gen Z. About 43 percent said they rely on social media for daily news, with TikTok leading for 21 percent of users. While instant access to content across digital platforms can broaden young people's awareness of global events, Al-Fardan warned that it also exposes them to misinformation and propaganda. 'It is important to be taught to be critical about news they consume at this time due to their brain development, as they have still not been able to fully form the part of their brain that is responsible for rational decision-making in order to form solid opinions,' she said. However, she observed that while young people often respond with strong initial reactions, they may quickly become desensitized. 'Social media has created a culture of following trends, which makes engagement inconsistent,' she said. The short, fast-paced nature of social media content may intensify young people's negative emotional responses to world events. Elizabeth Matar, assistant professor and chair of Media and Mass Communication at the American University in the Emirates, told Arab News social media platforms have expanded information sources but not necessarily deepened users' understanding, especially on evolving issues. 'When users are following the news from a media outlet on social media, they only get a headline with an image or video clip and a caption, which does not give the full nuance from reading a full article,' said Matar. 'This is causing a problem because it just feels like headlines and just information coming in without understanding much of the context or forming an ability to piece it together.' She added that this 'flood of information,' compounded by inputs from non-traditional news sources such as citizen journalists, can lead to a general sense of uncertainty, deepened by the limited depth of understanding. 'The quality, in contrast to quantity, of engagement with the news must be monitored,' said Matar. 'Only then we can understand if deeper engagement with content would have the same negative effect.' Despite growing awareness and open conversations around mental health in the digital age, many young people continue to face stigma and limited access to support services — even as their familiarity with the topic increases. A UNICEF-led study found that 40 percent of respondents felt stigmatized when speaking openly about mental health in schools and workplaces, while only half said they knew where to access relevant support resources. Despite resource availability, the study findings showed that many young people still lacked clarity on where to turn for help and how to build effective coping skills. Al-Fardan said that access to mental health resources remains limited due to affordability and lack of insurance. She also observed a lack of understanding about what psychotherapy involves. 'There is a limited amount of culturally attuned, affordable, skilled therapists around as well,' she said. 'In addition, many people are either unaware or hesitant to share their views, particularly when it comes to processing political information during times of unrest.' Warning of the long-term impact of unguided online news consumption, Al-Fardan said: 'Without boundaries on excessive scrolling, negative thought patterns in the brain can be reinforced, influencing one's outlook on life and overall functioning. 'This can contribute to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, increased social isolation, and a lack of essential skills needed to integrate into society.' Education and media literacy are key to addressing these challenges, along with building healthy habits, monitoring exposure, and setting boundaries around social media use. UNICEF's Hijazi stressed that ensuring mental health support for young people should be a responsibility shared by governments, schools, employers and the private sector. 'Understanding perception is the first step toward meaningful action,' she said. 'If we can listen more deeply — not just to the facts, but to the feelings — we can begin to design and scale solutions that are grounded in empathy and centered on human well-being.'
Arab News
31-05-2025
- Arab News
Can the green tea wave topple the Middle East's coffee culture?
RIYADH: Once reserved for Japan's sacred tea ceremonies, matcha has become a global sensation, infusing everything from lattes and desserts to skincare routines. Now, it is entering the Middle East, where coffee has long held cultural and culinary dominance. Matcha's rise in the MENA region is driven by health-conscious millennials, social media-friendly cafe culture, and a booming fitness scene. With its high antioxidant content, clean caffeine boost, and vibrant green hue, it's quickly become a favorite among wellness enthusiasts. But can it compete with the deeply ingrained coffee rituals of the Arab world, where coffee and espresso are daily staples? The economic landscape: Aligning with Vision 2030 As part of its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively working to diversify its economy and reduce its long-standing reliance on oil revenues. Central to this transformation is the food and beverage sector, which has emerged as a key driver of economic growth. In 2022, the food and agriculture sector contributed approximately SR100 billion ($26.6 billion) to the Kingdom's gross domestic product, the highest on record. The government aims to attract $20 billion in investments into the food industry by 2035, focusing on enhancing food security and broader economic sustainability. Supporting this momentum is the 'Made in Saudi' initiative, launched in 2021 to boost domestic production and services. One of its core goals is to raise the non-oil sector's contribution to gross domestic product from 16 percent to 50 percent by 2030, making room for innovative products and emerging markets, including health-focused offerings like matcha. A growing opportunity: the regional matcha market This strategic shift aligns well with the rising demand for functional foods and beverages across the region. In the Middle East and Africa region, the matcha market is experiencing steady growth, signaling a strong opportunity for Saudi Arabia to enter a promising space. In 2023, the MEA matcha market generated approximately $86.1 million in revenue, and projections estimate it will grow to $110.7 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 3.6 percent. Notably, ceremonial grade matcha, the highest quality used in traditional preparation, is currently the top revenue-generating segment and is expected to see the fastest growth, underscoring the premium positioning of matcha and consumer interest in wellness-driven, culturally rich products. Matcha vs. coffee: A nutritional and cultural perspective To better understand matcha's potential in the Middle East, licensed Lebanese dietitian Reem Harb compared it to coffee in terms of health benefits, energy effects, and cultural fit. A shade-grown green tea consumed in powdered form, matcha boasts superior levels of phytochemicals like chlorophyll and quercetin, as well as antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate, compared to other green teas. However, its caffeine content sits between traditional green tea and coffee. Unlike coffee, matcha provides a gentler energy boost without a crash. 'This is due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that interacts with caffeine to improve cognitive function and energy levels,' Harb said in an interview with Arab News. Ceremonial matcha is often used for lattes or smoothies due to its perceived health benefits, but this reduces availability for traditional preparations. Simona Suzuki, president of the Global Japanese Tea Association The Middle East's coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition, from Turkish coffee ceremonies to the social ritual of sharing Arabic coffee. With its earthy and slightly bitter taste, Matcha may initially clash with regional preferences for sweet, aromatic beverages. However, Harb believed matcha could complement traditional diets if introduced thoughtfully. 'Matcha lattes can be a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, especially when prepared without added syrups. Alternating between Arabic coffee and matcha could diversify beverage choices while preserving cultural experiences,' she suggested. From Kyoto to the MENA: Matcha's Global Surge While matcha's health benefits make it appealing, its journey from Japanese tea fields to Middle Eastern cafes hasn't been without challenges. Japan's matcha industry has seen production nearly triple since 2010, with exports soaring as global demand skyrockets. This surge in demand, however, has sparked concerns about shortages, prompting renowned Kyoto tea houses like Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen to impose purchase limits last year. Social media buzz and the rising demand for functional foods have turned matcha into a must-have trend that Middle Eastern cafes and startups are racing to meet. Speaking with Arab News, Simona Suzuki, president of the Global Japanese Tea Association, said: 'While matcha production in Japan is increasing, it remains relatively limited in scale ... Global demand has surged dramatically, leading to shortages in Japan.' The rapid growth has strained supply chains, and Suzuki noted it may take time for production to catch up. She also emphasized the importance of using matcha appropriately: 'Ceremonial matcha is often used for lattes or smoothies due to its perceived health benefits, but this reduces availability for traditional preparations.' In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, specialty cafes now offer matcha lattes alongside traditional karak chai, while local brands experiment with regional twists like matcha-infused dates or cardamom-dusted matcha desserts. Importing high-grade matcha, however, which relies on specific Japanese tea plant varieties like samidori and yabukita, is costly and logistically complex. Suzuki encouraged businesses to build direct relationships with producers: 'We strongly encourage visiting Japan to connect with tea growers and gain a deeper understanding of cultivation and processing.' In 2024, THE MATCHA TOKYO, a Japanese organic matcha brand, made its Gulf Cooperation Council debut with a beachside cafe in Dubai. The brand chose Dubai due to the strong presence of Emirati customers at its Tokyo outlets. Beyond Japan and the GCC, THE MATCHA TOKYO has expanded across Asia, with locations in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Bangkok, and Shanghai. Suzuki remained optimistic about the future of Japanese teas in the region, stating that while matcha is popular, the Global Japanese Tea Association is passionate about introducing the full spectrum of authentic Japanese teas, including sencha, gyokuro, hojicha, and wakocha, to the world. As Middle Eastern consumers increasingly prioritize wellness while staying rooted in tradition, matcha isn't replacing coffee, but it's carving out a lasting niche of its own.
Al Arabiya
14-04-2025
- Al Arabiya
Boys turn to likes of Andrew Tate in absence of male role models: Consultant psychiatrist
A leading child and adolescent psychiatrist has warned that a generation of boys is turning to controversial online figures like Andrew Tate for guidance on masculinity, fueled by the absence of positive male role models in their real lives. In a Special Interview on Al Arabiya News presented by Joanne Serrieh, Dr. Jon Goldin, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, discusses the mental health struggles younger generations, like Gen Z and Millennials, are facing and what can actually help.
