Exploring Uses and Gratifications of Podcasts among Young Arab Audiences

Abstract

This study analyzes podcast consumption patterns among young audiences in the United Arab Emirates, exploring the motivations and engagement of Emirati youth with this burgeoning media form. Utilizing a survey of 400 young participants, this research examines the various gratifications of podcasts, including entertainment, information acquisition, and community interaction. It assesses the use and impact of podcasts across different genres. The findings indicate that podcasts entertain, educate, and foster personal growth among listeners, who appreciate the medium’s ability to allow multitasking and its accessibility for content creation. The study extends existing literature on media consumption in the Arab region, particularly among the youth and within the technologically advanced societies of the Gulf. It highlights the dynamic and interactive nature of podcasting that transcends traditional media boundaries, providing a platform for audio-visual content integration and audience feedback.

Presenters

Nawal Alnaqbi
Assistant Professor, Mass Communication, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Vectors of Society and Culture

KEYWORDS

ARAB YOUTH, AUDIENCES, PODCASTING, UAE, USES AND GRATIFICATIONS