The role of social media networks in educating Saudis about sustainable development

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Master's degree in Media, specializing in Strategic Communication, King Faisal University. PhD researcher in Public Relations and Advertising, Cairo University.

Abstract

Sustainable development is one of the most important issues facing the world, especially Saudi Arabia, as it seeks to achieve a balance between economic growth, social justice, and environmental protection. In the context of the rapid development of communication and social media, social media has become a critical player in shaping individual perspectives and influencing society, particularly Saudi society. In this context, social media plays an important role in raising awareness of these critical issues, providing a strong platform for information and communication.
The study sought to monitor and analyze the nature of the role played by social media in raising awareness of sustainable development among Saudis. It relied on the media dependency Theory to interpret the nature of the role played by social media platforms. A survey method was applied to a sample of 400 Saudis from different age, social, and economic groups.
The study found several key findings, including:

45% of Saudis in the study sample follow sustainable development issues on social media regularly, 35% follow them regularly, 5% follow them occasionally, and 15% do not follow them at all.
The most important reasons for following these issues are to gain background and participate in discussions.
Climate change is the most popular sustainable development issue on social media.
Most respondents trust the information they find on social media about sustainable development.
Social media is an effective tool for raising awareness of sustainable development issues.
The study recommends that social media platforms work to improve the quality of information and combat misinformation.

 

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