TikTok's rising popularity among Saudi youth calls for deeper insight into how content is perceived across generations. This study focuses on the top 20 Saudi TikTok influencers as of June 2023, analyzing metadata from 15,526 videos and 5,159 comments. Over 500 videos were reviewed, with 183 closely examined across Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z to explore differing interpretations and emotional responses. English-language sentiment analysis of comments revealed that humorous and talent-based videos, particularly pranks, were most popular, while music and lip-sync content drew higher engagement. The study concluded that Generation Z participants preferred fun and entertaining video content, whereas Generation X participants tended to be more critical of content and content creators. Cultural themes were especially impactful for younger viewers. Statistical analysis highlighted that emotional responses varied significantly by generation, highlighting differences in emotional expression and regulation. Generation Y participants reported significantly higher levels of joy and trust compared to the other generations, while Generation Z participants exhibited significantly more disgust in their responses.
TikTok's rising popularity among Saudi youth calls for deeper insight into how content is perceived across generations. This study focuses on the top 20 Saudi TikTok influencers as of June 2023, analyzing metadata from 15,526 videos and 5,159 comments. Over 500 videos were reviewed, with 183 closely examined across Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z to explore differing interpretations and emotional responses. English-language sentiment analysis of comments revealed that humorous and talent-based videos, particularly pranks, were most popular, while music and lip-sync content drew higher engagement. The study concluded that Generation Z participants preferred fun and entertaining video content, whereas Generation X participants tended to be more critical of content and content creators. Cultural themes were especially impactful for younger viewers. Statistical analysis highlighted that emotional responses varied significantly by generation, highlighting differences in emotional expression and regulation. Generation Y participants reported significantly higher levels of joy and trust compared to the other generations, while Generation Z participants exhibited significantly more disgust in their responses.
Digital platforms expand into multiple adjoining business domains for revenue maximization purposes. Governments also use digital platforms for public welfare in multiple interrelated sectors. Such horizontal growth transforms digital platforms as digital infrastructure which consequently increases its e-adoption. This research determines combinations of platform attributes which drive the infrastructuring of digital platforms. Results of this research will enable platform mangers to, a priori, embed such attributes in platform architecture to achieve platform objectives. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) research methodology followed by a descriptive cross-analysis has been used in this research. Five key result sets emerge, which, inter alia, indicate that criticality, ubiquity, and generativity are key attributes driving the infrastructuring of digital platforms, unlike earlier research results showing modularity and heterogeneity as key attributes. fsQCA research method with a set theory approach is more suitable for such configurational analysis compared to multivariate techniques.
Misinformation on social media poses a significant threat to individuals and society. This study examines the effectiveness of in-platform fact-checking tools in reducing the spread of misinformation. To this extent an online survey was conducted to assess individuals' awareness of misinformation and fact-checking tools, their behavior toward social media, and how it impacts their exposure to misinformation and the sharing of misinformation. The authors found a concerning reliance on social media as a primary news source, highlighting the need for readily available verification mechanisms. Encouragingly, awareness of misinformation correlated with fact-checking tool use. Participants utilizing fact-checking tools reported encountering less misinformation. Notably, participants with higher education displayed greater concern about misinformation. This study demonstrates the potential of fact-checking tools, particularly among educated individuals, but emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach. This includes improved tools, awareness campaigns, critical thinking skill development, and fostering a culture of inquiry.
Digital identity platforms provide unique identity to residents. These also facilitate provision of public services in associated domains like banking, digital payments, healthcare, etc. Such horizontal expansion in multiple domains imparts digital infrastructure characteristics to such platforms. This research ascertains combination of attributes driving infrastructuring of digital identity platforms using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and further substantiated by qualitative contextual knowledge. Several key observations regarding necessity and sufficiency of solutions are made. Although based on Indian digital identity platform Aadhar and other public application program interfaces, this research has global implication since such systems are being implemented in several countries in pursuance of United Nations sustainable development goal (SDG 16.9). This research makes several conceptual, theoretical, public policy and methodological contribution using fsQCA with unique characteristics of organized complexity, configurational approach, and equifinality.
