Presentation Schedule
Social Representation of Egyptians Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Netflix and Shahid Original Series (107438)
Session Chair: Azza Ahmed
Sunday, 12 July 2026 14:10
Session: Session 3
Room: UCL Torrington, G20 (Ground Floor)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
This study compares the portrayal of Egyptian Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Netflix and Shahid Egyptian original series, examining Stuart Hall’s Representation Theory. Using content analysis, it analyzes a selected sample of two Egyptian series from each platform, released between 2020 and 2025. The sample includes 165 scenes from Netflix and 99 from Shahid. Units of analysis include scenes, character portrayals, and recurring cultural symbols. Categories address family relationships, gender roles, and the balance between tradition and modernity, among others. Preliminary findings show that peers are rarely present in the scenes. Netflix depicts positive peers, while Shahid shows deviant peers for both generations. Characters on Shahid are portrayed as lacking decision-making power compared to those on Netflix. Additionally, the findings reveal a significant absence of personal interests across both platforms—especially on Shahid—while Netflix presents a slightly more diverse range of hobbies. Overall, the findings suggest that the social representation of Egyptian Gen Z and Alpha in original productions on regional and global platforms raises three main concerns. First, it may foster false stereotypes about Egyptians among Arabs who have not met Egyptians of the same age or who have not visited Egypt. Second, it can influence self-perception by shaping how these generations view themselves and how they should act. Third, social comparison between TV portrayals and real life may lead to negative psychological effects among Gen Z and Alpha.
Authors:
Azza Ahmed, Zayed University, United Arab Emirates
Hossam Hassan, Zayed University, United Arab Emirates
About the Presenter(s)
Professor Azza Ahmed is a University Professor/Principle Lecturer at Zayed University in United Arab Emirates
See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule
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