Fahd Al-Manee Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Unlike the past when friends and families visited each other to exchange Eid greetings, many Saudis have taken to using social media and mobile messaging applications to exchange Eid greetings. The advantages, they say, are manifold. “It used to take me days to visit each and every single relative and friend and wish them a happy Eid and there would still be someone I left out. With Twitter, I can write a generic ‘Eid Mubarak' message and send it to hundreds of people,” explained one citizen. With a record number of Saudis using social media websites such as Twitter and Facebok and mobile messaging applications including WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, it is easy to understand why so many people are replacing long-held traditions with impersonal albeit faster digital methods. “I have more time to spend at home with my family. Before, I used to spend the entire day visiting friends or relatives, now, after I send a few Eid greeting messages, I can relax at home with my children,” said another citizen. Many have said if current trends continue, then family ties will grow weaker but many experts disagree with this notion. Psychologist Awadh Al-Jumaie said that sending Eid Greetings through new media is good because by sending messages, there is still communication occurring. “If it continues, then it will slowly distance families from each other but technology shouldn't be completely written off as it plays a role in helping friends and families stay in touch. Moderation is key,” he said.
