Alwaght - Saudis are the top users of
social networking sites worldwide, with subscriptions consistently increasing.
According Saudiarabnews.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat have had greet impact their social
lives.
Being socially restricted, the majority of young Saudis always seek for a photo opportunity to pose their pictures on social networks to live a cyber life in which they can taste freedom, although not a real one.
This trend has been more pervasive among women due to strict rules imposed on them by Saudi Wahhabi regime. Saudi Women cannot vote, drive as well as they cannot leave the house, make a purchase, sign any legal document – in fact perform almost any official action, from agreeing to surgery, to signing up to a class – without the consent of a male guardian, either the husband or the father. Women caught behind the wheel – whether during a symbolic protest, or an ordinary drive – can end up sentenced to lashings.
Barbers and beauty
salons have benefited greatly from the trend due to the increase in visitors
wishing to get their hair styled, skin cleaned, and even their nails manicured.
Experts say many women have turned to cosmetic surgery as evidenced by the
increase in the demand for Botox injections, skin peeling, bleaching and laser
surgeries.
Cosmetic surgery for
hands and feet is increasingly common, as many women post pictures of their
hands and feet since they fear to show their faces due to Wahhabi rules
applying is Saudi.
“Saudi Arabia has become, according to 2010 statistics, the leader in the Arab
world regarding the percentage of fat reduction surgeries,” says Al-Nasser,
noting that social networking has encouraged this growing desire among users to
look good.
Images of women on social networking sites typically portray hands, feet, and clothing
brands, while young males post pictures of their private lives, including their
clothing and muscles.
Tasting cyber freedom,
Saudi men and women who feel at jail may become embolden to try to gain real
freedom and basic human rights that they are deprived of.
