(The Youth and Drugs in the Context of Digital Transformations: A Field Study at the University of Baghdad(

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced technological world, drugs are no longer merely substances sold and consumed; they have become a widespread concept proliferating through screens, threatening the awareness and safety of society. Raising awareness of this scourge is no longer optional but rather a societal necessity. Youth are the most affected by digital transformations, as they constitute the largest group of social media users. With the spread of behavioral deviations across these platforms, they have become a fertile environment for drug trafficking, ranging from methods of seduction to full addiction. Digital transformations are a double-edged sword: they can either serve as a tool in the hands of drug dealers or as an effective means of raising awareness among youth. Hence, the question arises: to what extent are young people aware of the dangers of drugs amid digital transformations? Based on this, several objectives were set, the most important of which is measuring the level of awareness and perception among youth regarding the risks of drugs in the context of digital change. This was carried out through a field study at the University of Baghdad, with a sample of 300 participants representing the community.