Patterns of YouTube interaction among Emirati children: A Study of Media Engagement and Influence
Patterns of YouTube interaction among Emirati children: A Study of Media Engagement and Influence

Summary/Abstract: Background/purpose. This study scrutinizes the increased gravitation of children towards YouTube and assesses the subsequent effects on their viewing behaviors. Parental mediation emerges as a critical factor within the digital setting. Materials/methods. Case study, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study as a research model. This study involved ten Emirati parents who actively participated, shared viewing experiences, and implemented viewing boundaries to navigate their children’s digital engagements. Data was analyzed by the exploratory analyzing and word clouds. Results. The findings of this study enhance the dialogue surrounding digital parenting, emphasizing the necessity for context-aware mediation practices. It proposes a nuanced understanding of parental roles that reconcile cultural values with the imperatives of digital safety, aiming to enrich the digital experiences of children in a protective and constructive manner. Conclusion. These approaches are contextualized within the cultural framework of the UAE, delineating the specific concerns and strategies parents employ in response to the digital challenges faced by their children.

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