The Role of Digital Media in Shaping Cognitive and Scientific Awareness among Saudi Youth: A Field Study on the ARID Scientific Platform
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The study stems from the need to understand the extent to which Saudi youth consistently engage with scientific digital platforms, focusing on the ARID platform. It explores the nature of their usage, the level of interaction with its content, and how this affects their scientific awareness and cognitive behavior. The study also seeks to identify the main challenges that hinder their full benefit from the platform, aiming to clarify the relationship between digital media and cognitive awareness among this vital demographic. The research adopts the Digital Activity Theory as its theoretical framework and is based on a sample of 400 Saudi youth. The findings reveal a high level of awareness among Saudi youth regarding the importance of scientific digital platforms, with 78% regularly following such platforms. There is a clear preference for academic platforms like ARID, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, which are valued for their credibility and opportunities for publication and academic development. ARID, in particular, stood out with a 62.5% regular followership rate, supported by its active presence on social media—especially Twitter—to enhance engagement. The participants demonstrated both utilitarian and ritualistic motivations for using the platform, showing high engagement in consuming scientific content, though with relatively lower participation in content creation and academic networking. This indicates a need to strengthen networking tools and provide more incentives. The academic badges offered by the platform were associated with positive emotional responses and a desire to maintain academic participation. The platform contributed significantly to shaping scientific awareness across cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. However, the study identified key challenges, including lack of time, limited digital skills, and insufficient training—highlighting the need to develop support and empowerment programs to maximize the platform’s impact. Keywords: ARID Scientific Platform – Saudi Youth – Digital Activity – Cognitive and Scientific Awareness.
Author: Dr. MUBARAK WASEL ALHAZMI
Language: English
Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412989121