Addressing family mutism: Expert perspectives and intervention strategies in the context of excessive social media use in Saudi Arabian families

Abstract

This study explores the perspectives of social science experts on the emergence of family mutism resulting from the misuse of social networking platforms. It also seeks to identify the most effective social intervention program to restore Saudi Arabian family bonds strained by excessive social media use. This research is theoretically grounded in the cognitive framework of clinical sociology. The researchers adopted a descriptive methodology and conducted directed interviews with 20 experts from different disciplines at Hail University in Saudi Arabia, during the months of October and November 2022. The study reveals that the experts reached a unanimous consensus on the goals of the therapeutic intervention program, emphasizing the enhancement of family members' awareness and the provision of guidance on the prudent use of social media. From a theoretical perspective, all experts agreed that ecological theory served as the most appropriate framework to inform professional practice and guide the social intervention program. In addition, the study found that individual and group interviews with family members, along with individual and group sessions, were the most effective social intervention strategies. Professionals reflected on the complex social and psychological issues associated with family mutism, particularly in children and adolescents who are enmeshed in technological addiction and excessive reliance on social networking platforms. According to these specialists, family structure plays a pivotal role in mitigating family mutism, as they assert their competence in identifying the problem. This study provides invaluable insights into the optimal goals, theoretical paradigms, methodologies, and tools to address family mutism resulting from the inappropriate use of social media.