Students in developing economies lead the way in use of social media

Top students in emerging economies have overtaken those in more-established markets when it comes to adopting some of the newest technologies, according to the first global Digital Generation survey. The study, conducted by Career Innovation in partnership with the global student-run organisation AIESEC, found that weblogging is much more common in Asia than elsewhere, with 73 per cent of Asian students, excluding India, writing their own weblogs. It also found that students in the US, western Europe and Australia were much lower users of technologies such as podcasts and mobile e-mail than their peers in less-developed markets.

"In the Europe and US, you can have many opportunities to connect to people, such as travelling," said Youssef Zafri, the president of AIESEC's Morocco chapter. "We don't have many opportunities like that. That's one of the reasons that people are using the internet and other technologies as an easy tool to get what they want." Conducted online, the study surveyed 2,277 "opinion-leading" students from 114 countries between January and June this year, in addition to a comparison sample of 530 professionals in 83 countries.

It found that online and other computer games are played most in India, with 70 per cent of respondents there saying they played them, and least in eastern Europe, with only 49 per cent playing. Indian students also came out on top in the use of multi-person audio conferences, with 56 per cent saying they have used that technology. Only 24 per cent of students from established markets reported using the e-mail functions on their mobile phones.

Globally, social networking was extremely important, with 75 per cent of respondents reporting that they logged on daily to a social or business networking site. Students ranked Facebook as their top choice, while those in the workforce preferred LinkedIn. The results showed that a new generation of young leaders is emerging who will enter the workplace expecting to communicate using social media, said Lucy Symons, the chief communication and networks officer for AIESEC International.

"Social networking is becoming increasingly popular, as is blogging and collaboration online," she said. "Young people are looking for fellowship online." They were also looking for clear, concise forms of communication, she said. The study discovered that four in every five students use instant messaging, while more than half make internet phone calls. The top-ranked brand for instant messaging was Windows Live Messenger, while the top brand for internet phone calls was Skype. Those who e-mail on their mobile phones prefer Nokia products, while those who venture into virtual worlds - 23 per cent - rank Second Life as their top choice. "We are living in a world today, an age of information, where you don't get your information in one place," Ms Symons said. "Young people want to use a variety of communications channels, and they don't want to be broadcast to. They want to be engaged."

khagey@thenational.ae

Checks continue

A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.

Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.

Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn

In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:

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The low down on MPS

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.

What is myofascial or trigger-point release?

Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

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England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29