“Insta-Tweet” Appeal Among Saudi Women: A Uses-and-Gratifications Perspective

Abstract

The emergence of social media has changed many aspects of people’s lives as it directly impacts communication and social conscience. Social media has created new ways of providing information about social issues through peer communication, which plays an important role in user behavior. This study examined the impact of both Twitter and Instagram on Saudi women, and attempted to understand the factors driving women to use Instagram and Twitter and to be involved in social events. In this study, a qualitative method was the primary means of data collection. This study used convenience sampling. Due to limited time for research, the study involved a sample of seven Saudi women. The interviews were conducted in English and, in some cases, Arabic. The themes that emerged from the findings of the interviews: In Twitter, seeking important information, trending topics, giving space to Saudi women, increasing awareness about women rights while in Instagram the common themes were entertainment, self- presentation, Instagram itself, creativity and Saudi women. These themes served to answer the research questions that informed this study.