Mobile Myanmar: The Impact of Social Media on Young People Living in Conflict-Affected Regions of Myanmar “Young people who have used social media are exposed to more information and have broader knowledge. While young people who don’t use social media doesn’t know much about what is happening.” Female, 36 years, Kayan Christian, Loikaw (Kayah State urban) Some thought that those who were active online are more sociable and confident, while others thought that those who are not active online have better relationships with their families. “Those who use online know more information. But those who don’t use online can spend more time with their family and have closer relationships.” Female, 19 years, Chin Christian, Sittwe (Rakhine State urban) Respondents were asked whether they thought marginalised groups (such as people with disabilities, in poverty, or minority ethnic groups) used social media to express themselves. Most responses related to people with disabilities, which the facilitators believed reflected their higher visibility on social media compared to minority ethnic groups or those in poverty. Some commented that that people in poverty cannot afford smartphones. “I have seen some disable persons express their challenges from Facebook, but they are from other countries. I have not seen anything like that here yet.” Male, 46 years, Rohingya Muslim, Basara (Rakhine State IDP) “I do not think so because the poor people cannot afford to use a phone.” Male, 20 years, Rakhine Buddhist, Sittwe (Rakhine State urban). Some respondents (mostly from Rakhine State) had seen people with disabilities post on social media about the challenges they face. “Yes, I saw them sharing about their lives and capacity. They demand for their right to be recognized.” Female, 27 years, Rakhine Buddhist, Sittwe (Rakhine State urban) “Yes, I have seen someone with disability express their problems and daily challenges. I have learned that even some simple activity like eating or drinking can be a challenge for some of them.” Male, 29 years, Rohingya Muslim, Basara (Rakhine State IDP) One Muslim IDP respondent suggested that social media had helped change attitudes towards not only people with disabilities, but women and children, who he said were previously marginalised in his community. “Before people in Myanmar used to believe people with disabilities can’t do things like other people, women can’t do what men do and children/young people shouldn’t do anything like adults. Through social media, we can learn about developments that educate us about the needs of disabled persons, women and children. I usually share these kinds of posts or pages that I see in social media, a post like a disabled person has capacity and they can do things…I got many likes when I shared this kind of post.” Male, 29 years, Rohingya Muslim, Basara (Rakhine State IDP) 81