Ahlia University

Abstract The role of digital platforms in shaping how youth think and act is tremendous. Nevertheless, existing research has not analyzed the influence of digital platforms on the cultural identity of Bahraini youth, which indicates the gap in knowledge in this regard. The study aimed to investigate the media frames adopted by the “Shabab Times” online platform to address cultural identity content among young people in Bahrain, focusing on the platform’s role in reinforcing cultural identity. This descriptive study used a content analysis form applied to a comprehensive sample of 82 posts published between 2022 and 2024. The results showed that the most prevalent format of media messages analyzing cultural identity on the “Shabab Times” platform was the hashtag. Also, news, custom, and tradition were widely featured on the platform. The study found that the “framing of traditional and official Bahraini attire” came first among the essential frames for youth expressions that demonstrate their cultural identity. The results of this research also show that the major source of media messages related to cultural identity published on the “Shabab Times” platform is the “Shabab Times” itself.

Abstract This chapter analyzed the impact of digital platforms on the citizenship values of secondary students in Bahrain. Based on Cultivation Theory, a descriptive setting was established to use a questionnaire for 51 secondary students within the public and private educational systems. Findings concluded that digital platforms significantly impact citizenship values, with the value minimally impacted being respect for the law, followed by teamwork and connectedness. Digital platforms did not impact these values as much as others. Ultimately, the citizenship values significantly impacted by digital platforms included an increased sense of national belonging; however, such values can only exist if such technologies are available to students. For those who do not have access to them, there is little regard for their citizenship values.

Abstract The study analyzes the framing of the global semiconductor crisis in Saudi experts’ accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. It utilized Framing theory as well as the Peace Journalism (PJ) model and employed both quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Four Saudi experts’ accounts on X and YouTube were selected, representing a diverse range of official, media, and individual contributors. The analysis revealed that the examined accounts were dominated by the information and dissemination and dialogue frames. In addition, PJ frames appeared more frequently than WJ frames across all analyzed accounts. The study recommends that both digital and traditional media devote more attention to the semiconductor crisis. It also underscores the importance of a collaborative effort among international media organizations to develop a strategic communication plan aimed at enhancing awareness of the crisis’s scope and its implications for global peace.

Abstract The podcast technology of Thamaniya platform has recently spread widely among Saudi society, especially young people. In this study, the authors seek to analyze the Thamaniya platform’s coverage of topics of transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the “Socrates” podcast, with a focus on the use of peace framing in digital media content. The study is based on two main theories: the Framing Theory and Peace Journalism. The study relied on a qualitative methodology using content analysis as a main tool. The sample included 19 episodes of the “Socrates” podcast on YouTube, and the sample type was divided into two parts: a purposive sample to analyze the episodes and comprehensive sample to analyze the comments. The results showed that the content of the Socrates podcast relies on peace frames by 100% with a complete absence of war frames. Though, the classification of comments varied between peace-oriented comments at 31% and war comments at 29%. The results of the study reveal Thamaniya’s commitment to peace frames in promoting cultural dialogue. However, the results also indicated a gap in engagement with the public, which calls for the development of strategies to enhance and activate communication more comprehensively.

Abstract This research examines how social media influencers on the platform “X” (formerly Twitter) framed Riyadh Season 2024, a major initiative aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. The study focuses on identifying the dominant frames utilized by influencers and analyzing users’ responses to their content. Employing a comprehensive sample of posts and comments from October 13 to November 13, 2024, the research categorizes the frames into economic, political, cultural, disinformation, and religious themes. The study reveals significant variations in influencers’ engagement across these frames, with political and religious content being the most prominent. Disinformation emerges as a notable concern, particularly in the posts of specific influencers. User responses mirror these trends, reflecting high levels of engagement with political discourse and disinformation, alongside notable occurrences of cursing and swearing. Statistical analysis indicates substantial negativity in users’ comments directed at certain influencers, highlighting the polarized nature of the discourse surrounding Riyadh Season.

Dear Editor, This letter addresses distributed optimization for resource allocation problems with time-varying objective functions and time-varying constraints. Inspired by the distributed average tracking (DAT) approach, a distributed control protocol is proposed for optimal resource allocation. The convergence to a time-varying optimal solution within a predefined time is proved. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.