International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security

International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security (국제컴퓨터통신보호논문지학회)
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"How can you live without using Snapchat?" Practical Study for the Usage of Facebook and Snapchat in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

  • Received : 2021.12.05
  • Published : 2021.12.30
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Abstract

This study aims to provide an in-depth description of the practices of social media users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)-specifically the users of Facebook and Snapchat-and the reasons for these practices, the decisions made, and the people involved. Qualitative methods were used to collect data in two rounds from 53 participants. The data analysis shows a clear preference for Snapchat over Facebook among the participants, as shown in their using the application many times daily and in the creation and use of new words derived from the application's name. On the other hand, one of the main reasons mentioned by the participants for not preferring Facebook was the unclear policy of security and privacy used in the application. This reason is important for all social media users, but, in particular, it is crucial for female users, as shown in the data. This is important for the designers and policymakers of the social media applications to understand and consider, as it would help them improve the current applications and create new ones.

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Acknowledgement

The author would like to thank Umm Al-Qura University and the Deanship of Scienctific Research at Umm Al-Qura University for supporting this work by Grant Code:19-COM-1-02-0003.

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