Social media literature sparks debate in Jordan
New trend in digital storytelling gains traction as Jordanian Ministry of Culture highlights its impact in a recent magazine issue
AMMAN, Jordan (MNTV) — Social media literature is emerging as a growing trend, reshaping how stories are written, consumed, and shared.
The Jordanian Ministry of Culture has spotlighted this digital shift in its latest magazine edition, sparking discussions on its influence on traditional storytelling.
According to the Arabic daily of Jordan, the issue features contributions from a diverse group of young creatives and delves into the evolving landscape of literature in the digital age.
The magazine discusses how digital platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are transforming the literary landscape, with short-form fiction, poetry, and interactive storytelling gaining popularity.
Writers and content creators are leveraging these platforms to engage audiences in real time, often blending multimedia elements such as images, videos, and music to enhance narratives.
Experts featured in the magazine weigh in on whether this trend represents an evolution of literary expression or a departure from conventional storytelling norms.
Some argue that social media literature democratizes writing, allowing emerging voices to reach a global audience without the barriers of traditional publishing.
Others worry that the fast-paced, fragmented nature of online content could diminish the depth and complexity of literature.
In the issue’s “Threshold” section, editor-in-chief and renowned novelist Jalal Barjas explores the emergence of the “contemplative novel” as a new narrative style.
Barjas argues that the postmodern era has shifted focus from collective action to individualism, leading to a sense of alienation.
He suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified this trend, forcing writers to confront existential questions about identity, place, and time.
The debate also touches on the role of language, as social media-driven writing often employs informal structures, slang, and hybrid linguistic styles that challenge traditional literary frameworks.
Additionally, questions arise about the longevity of social media literature, with concerns over digital archiving and the impermanence of online content.
As Jordan embraces the digital age, writers, literary critics, and cultural policymakers are grappling with the implications of this new form of storytelling.
The Ministry of Culture’s initiative to spotlight social media literature reflects a broader conversation on how digital platforms are reshaping artistic expression, reading habits, and cultural heritage in the modern era.
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