Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Despised and described for a long time as a tool that leads to social isolation and seclusion, social media has turned out to be the most effective means for maintaining social relationships in the times of coronavirus.

Praying at mosques, visiting relatives, exchanging gifts and attending special parties with families and friends are the highlights of the Eid in the Kingdom.

But this year with movement restrictions in place as part of precautionary and preventive measures to stem the spread of coronavirus, citizens and residents made the most of the social media platforms in reaching out to their relatives, friends, acquaintances and other members of society, exchanging greetings and sharing moments of joy and festivity through videos, photos and audio messages.

Fahd Bin Hamed Al Hazmi, a family counselor, said that we made good use of technology in the face of enormous challenges. We relied on electronic applications as an alternative to do shopping, train and work remotely in the period leading up to the Eid which made it easier for us to embrace the idea of ​​enjoying the festival at home.

There are many alternatives that have proven effective during these extraordinary times. The awareness level of citizens and residents, their support and commitment to all preventive measures have contributed to the success of efforts made by the authorities to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the family counselor made these remarks in his interview to Saudi Press Agency.

The family counselor believes that one of the most widespread activities this morning was the organization of household ceremonies that were transmitted live via social media platforms, reviving the joy of the feast. The transfer of pictures among relatives of the Eid preparations and sharing each other’s moments of joy from a distance was quite exhilarating. Some families, however, had made prior preparations for the festival with preparing sweets and cakes, images of which spread optimism and joy.

Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, a Saudi citizen, shared his opinion, saying: We may be having a different Eid this year but the joy and happiness of the festival remains the same. No matter whatever circumstances are, the occasion causes joy and happiness among people and it spreads in homes among parents and children.

He said the he prepared for the occasion as he decorated the house and bought sweets. He gave children gifts to enjoy joy of Eid Al-Fitr.