Understanding social media usage by females in Saudi Arabia: a descriptive finding

Abstract

Recently, Social Media (SM) platforms are not only functioned for entertainment but also for the exchange of information, collaboration and overcoming of cultural boundaries. Social media can provide many opportunities to Saudi females who are faced with many cultural boundaries such as unemployment and segregation between genders. However, the use of SM by Saudi females is still lesser than that of Saudi male. Few studies have yet investigated the involvement of Saudi females in SM. This study was conducted to determine the effects of SM on Saudi females. A comprehensive online survey was conducted and 632 valid responses were collected from Saudi females. Saudi females use SM to spend their spare time or for entertainment, to stay up-to-date with news and current events and to connect with friends and family. The study reveals a low percentage of SM use among Saudi females for business purposes. The finding also show that SM is potential to play a significant role in empowering the life of Saudi females at early age hence more effort should be undertaken to encourage more uptake of SM for business and commerce regardless of gender.

Keywords: Social media, Saudi Arabia, females, data screening