Beyond Entertainment: Investigating (VOD) Platforms Consumption Habits and Gratifications Among Gulf Youth
摘要
This study investigates how Gulf youth in UAE, Kuwait, KSA and Bahrain engage with and find satisfaction in Video-On-Demand (VOD) platforms. As digital media and VOD platforms gain popularity, it becomes essential to comprehend the habits and gratifications of Gulf youth in their interaction with these platforms. Through a survey of 200 participants from the countries, this research aims to gain insights into the motivations and preferences that drive their VOD consumption behaviors. A mixed-methods approach is employed to achieve this goal, combining quantitative survey data. The survey questionnaire covers aspects such as frequency of VOD platform usage, preferred genres, reasons for utilizing VOD platforms, and the gratifications derived from them. Additionally, respondents are encouraged to elaborate on their experiences and provide suggestions for improvement. The collected data will undergo statistical analysis, thematic analysis, and content analysis to identify patterns, trends, and common themes. Preliminary findings indicate that VOD platforms serve purposes beyond entertainment for Gulf youth. While entertainment remains significant, the study reveals that VOD platforms also serve as sources of information, cultural exploration, and social connection. The findings further highlight the importance of personalized content recommendations, convenience, and access to a diverse range of content as key factors that gratify Gulf youth. These insights hold valuable implications for VOD platform providers, content creators, and policymakers who aim to comprehend and cater to the needs and preferences of Gulf youth in their digital media consumption.