Mobile Myanmar: The Impact of Social Media on Young People Living in Conflict-Affected Regions of Myanmar “I have a friend who likes to talk to everyone online, but she doesn’t talk to people offline except her close friends.” Female, 19 years, Sittwe (Rakhine State urban) “Some of the young people are very active online, usually posting their status and posting their own pictures, but they may be not that active in the community.” Male, 29 years, Rohingya Muslim, Basara (Rakhine State IDP) “Some are very good at talking outside but not on Facebook, [while] some are very funny [online] but very quiet outside. Some only show their true selves online.” Female, 18 years, Kayan Christian, Loikaw (Kayah State urban) Some respondents spoke of people who post false information about themselves online (including about their marital status). “There are some people who act differently on Facebook. They will create fake information about themselves on Facebook. Not sure why.” Female, 36 years, Rohingya Muslim, Basara (Rakhine State IDP) “Some people are acting like they are single online when they are already married in real life.” Female, 27 years, Rakhine Buddhist, Sittwe (Rakhine State urban) While others noticed that some only post things online that presented them in a positive light. “Some people don’t listen to their parents and do what they want. They often get drunk. But when looking at their Facebook wall, they pretend like they are a saint.” Female, 22 years, Rakhine Buddhist, Sittwe (Rakhine State urban) “Some youths act like they are carefree and only post pics about what they eat, where they visit or travel, but in reality they may be working in big organizations with high positions. So, we cannot determine who they are based on their post.” Male, 20 years, Rakhine Buddhist, Sittwe (Rakhine State urban) “Some girls are not that beautiful outside but on Facebook they use the camera that can make them beautiful.” Female, 19 years, Kayan Christian, Kyun Taw village (Kayah State rural) Interviewees were also asked whether there were any differences between young people who are active online and those who are not. The vast majority of respondents said that those who are active online are more knowledgeable and up to date about news and current events compared to those who are not online (though many pointed out that most young people they knew were active online). “Most who use [online] are more sociable and have more confidence.” Female, 32 years, Kayah Buddhist, Ve Seh Ku village (Kayah State rural) 80