scholarly journals Attribute substitution and stereotypes about the online Arab public sphere: Predictors of concerns about Internet surveillance in five Arab countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1085-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin D Martin ◽  
S Shageaa Naqvi ◽  
Klaus Schoenbach
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Public Sphere ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Cultural Attitudes ◽  
Conservative Ideology ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Government Surveillance ◽  
Large Groups

This study examined concerns about Internet surveillance among Internet users in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Lebanon, Qatar, and the UAE ( N = 4160). Despite common stereotypes about how variables like gender, youth, income, nationality, and liberal or conservative ideology affect political and cultural attitudes in Arab countries, these indicators were not significant predictors of concerns about online surveillance by governments and companies. Arab nationals reported greater concern about companies monitoring their online activity, while expatriates were more worried about government surveillance. The study uses literature on the attribute substitution heuristic to discuss how people might form stereotypes about large groups.

From echo chambers to ‘idea chambers’: Concurrent online interactions with similar and dissimilar others

2021 ◽  
pp. 174804852199248
Author(s):  
Justin D Martin ◽  
George Anghelcev ◽  
Noor Abunabaa ◽  
Fouad Hassan ◽  
Sarah Shaath
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Digital Communication ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Conventional Theory ◽  
Online Interactions ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Item Scale

Countering conventional theory, this study found that online homophily and heterophily—connectivity with both similar and dissimilar others—are not necessarily countervailing phenomena, among representative surveys of internet users from five Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Lebanon, Qatar, and UAE ( N = 4,198). Respondents who said the Internet has increased their contact with politically and religiously similar people also tended to say it increased their contact with politically and religiously dissimilar people. A four-item scale measuring online political and religious homophily and heterophily was reliable (a = .754 overall; .79 among Arab nationals), and is referred to in this article as an ‘idea chamber’ index. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and inter-item correlations of scale items are two additional tests that affirm the internal consistency of the measure. Implications for research on digital communication are discussed.

On Waxen Wings: Challenges to the Public Sphere in the Network Age

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Francoeur
Keyword(s):  
Public Sphere ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Public ◽  
Digital Space ◽  
Multiple Viewpoints ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Economic Production ◽  
The Public Sphere ◽  
Communicative Space

There is a tendency, particularly among Western pundits and technologists, to examine the Internet in almost universally positive terms; this is most evident in any discussion of the medium’s capacity for democratization. While the Internet has produced many great things for society in terms of cultural and economic production, some consideration must be given to the implications that such a revolutionary medium holds for the public sphere. By creating a communicative space that essentially grants everyone his or her own microphone, the Internet is fragmenting public discourse due to the proliferation of opinions and messages and the removal of traditional gatekeepers of information. More significantly, because of the structural qualities of the Internet, users no longer have to expose themselves to opinions and viewpoints that fall outside their own preconceived notions. This limits the robustness of the public sphere by limiting the healthy debate that can only occur when exposed to multiple viewpoints. Ultimately, the Internet is not going anywhere, so it is important to equip the public with the tools and knowledge to be able to navigate the digital space. 

scholarly journals The Arab region’s contribution to global COVID-19 research: Bibliometric and visualization analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sa’ed H. Zyoud
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Arab World ◽  
The United States ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Global Research

Abstract Background At the global level and in the Arab world, particularly in low-income countries, COVID-19 remains a major public health issue. As demonstrated by an incredible number of COVID-19-related publications, the research science community responded rapidly. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the growing contribution of the Arab world to global research on COVID-19. Methods For the period between December 2019 and March 2021, the search for publications was conducted via the Scopus database using terms linked to COVID-19. VOSviewer 1.6.16 software was applied to generate a network map to assess hot topics in this area and determine the collaboration patterns between different countries. Furthermore, the research output of Arab countries was adjusted in relation to population size and gross domestic product (GDP). Results A total of 143,975 publications reflecting the global overall COVID-19 research output were retrieved. By restricting analysis to the publications published by the Arab countries, the research production was 6131 documents, representing 4.26% of the global research output regarding COVID-19. Of all these publications, 3990 (65.08%) were original journal articles, 980 (15.98%) were review articles, 514 (8.38%) were letters and 647 (10.55%) were others, such as editorials or notes. The highest number of COVID-19 publications was published by Saudi Arabia (n = 2186, 35.65%), followed by Egypt (n = 1281, 20.78%) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), (n = 719, 11.73%). After standardization by population size and GDP, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Lebanon had the highest publication productivity. The collaborations were mostly with researchers from the United States (n = 968), followed by the United Kingdom (n = 661). The main research lines identified in COVID-19 from the Arab world are related to: public health and epidemiology; immunological and pharmaceutical research; signs, symptoms and clinical diagnosis; and virus detection. Conclusions A novel analysis of the latest Arab COVID-19-related studies is discussed in the current study and how these findings are connected to global production. Continuing and improving future collaboration between developing and developed countries will also help to facilitate the sharing of responsibilities for COVID-19 in research results and the implementation of policies for COVID-19.

scholarly journals Polemik Ahmadiyah Di Media Online: Studi pada Weblog Interaktif Kompasiana

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-198
Author(s):  
Gun Gun Heryanto
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
New Media ◽  
Public Sphere ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Communication Channel ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
New Public

Internet as a new media is a communication channel that can be a new public sphere. Especially after the migration of web 1.0 to web 2.0, internet users are connected to many social networking sites and interactive weblog to share informations, ideas and thought. It also allows the debate surrounding the Ahmadiyya get space between netizens. Polemic about Ahmadiyya no longer solely a matter of aqidah as a matter of prophecy, al Mahdi and al Masih, revelation, caliphate and jihad but also a matter of Human Rights (HAM) and the law. We need to map out the themes of the talk surrounding the Ahmadiyya among internet users as well as the need to know the context and dynamics of the evolving discourse on new media. This study traced 100 posts written by Internet users in Kompasiana during 2008-2012 as well as the data from the focus group discussion (FGD) with Kompasianer.

scholarly journals SYRIA'S POSITION ON IRAQ'S INVASION OF KUWAIT IN 1990

2021 ◽  
Vol 03 (08) ◽  
pp. 387-407
Author(s):  
Ohood Abbas Ohood Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Security Council ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Strategic Changes ◽  
Arab League ◽  
The Difference

At the beginning of the nineties of the last century, one of the most prominent Arab problems appeared ‎in the Middle East, which was represented by Iraq‏’‏s invasion of Kuwait, which was the most prominent ‎event at all levels, regional and international, given the great political and strategic changes that the ‎invasion provoked in the region and the difference in attitudes and consensus at other times, ‎including‏ ‏It was necessary for us to study and analyze the position of one of the most important Arab ‎countries in the region, which is the Syrian position on the issue of Iraq‏’‏s invasion of Kuwait and its ‎repercussions, and the Syrian government‏’‏s attempt to settle that conflict by adopting various effective ‎ways to contain the crisis and prevent the dispersal of the Arab nation with its focus on finding a ‎peaceful solution to avoid the countries of the region from possible future dangers‏. ‏It cannot be ‎controlled later, which is what prompted it to go along with all the Arab and international resolutions ‎that condemned that invasion. That is why it sought to announce its position on the issue of the ‎invasion clearly and transparently, and on several occasions, it did not deviate from its national and ‎Arab principles until the date of the liberation of Kuwait and the resolution of the crisis and its end‎‎. Keywords: Iraq, Syria, Invasion, Security Council, Saudi Arabia, Arab League, Kuwait

scholarly journals Tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence between Saudis and Non-Saudis from 2013 to 2018 with a special concern about regions of the KSA

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
The Impact

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the largest Arab countries with a moderate annual problem of tuberculosis that is either pulmonary or extra-pulmonary. TB is still one of the most significant health troubles in the KSA, affecting different nationalities (Saudis, non-Saudis), ages, provinces, and genders. The control of TB still faces some challenges in different provinces of the KSA. Data were collected, arranged, analyzed and presented in tables and figures. In this retrospective study, we appraised TB surveillance data for the period between 2013 (1434H) and 2018 (1439H). Data were handled using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. Data were checked for normality using Shapiro-Wilk normality test at 0.05 levels to determine whether they are parametric or nonparametric. Chi-squared, Kruskal Wallis, and analysis of variance tests were used to evaluate trends at a significance level of p< 0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM-SPSS version 23 for Mac OS. We appraised TB surveillance data for the period between 2013 (1434H) and 2018 (1439H). The data included the region of the country (province), age, sex, and nationality (Saudis, non-Saudis). The study evaluated the impact of TB on various nationalities (Saudis and non-Saudis), age groups (0-14, 15-34, 35-55, more than 55 years old), and genders (males and females). Non-Saudis had a higher incidence rate than Saudis in 2013-2018. The number of cases and incidence rates of TB recorded in males between 2013 to 2018 were about two to three times greater than estimates for females. The Makkah, Riyadh, and Jeddah regions attract enormous numbers of non-Saudi migrant workers, who account for ~60% of all TB cases in the KSA. Assessing the main TB risk factors contributing to high TB rates in non-Saudi workers is essential. Furthermore, periodical accurate studies, including evidence-based studies for optimum surveillance, avoidance, spread risk, inspection, control procedures and treatment of TB, should be conducted. These assessments would lead to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of KSA-NTP’s TB action plan.

The Arabs and Gabriel García Márquez

2021 ◽  
pp. 231-245
Author(s):  
Heba El Attar
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Gabriel Garcia Marquez ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
South American ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
The Third ◽  
American Author

In 2014, newspapers across the Spanish-speaking world covered how the international press paid tribute to García Márquez. Particular attention was given to the extensive eulogies in the Arab press. A special homage was paid to the author’s memory in Saudi Arabia, where the Third South American-Arab Countries Summit was being held at the time. This was not Naguib Mahfuz; this was García Márquez. How was it possible for a Latin American author to become that popular across the Arab world? How was it possible for his novels to be referenced naturally in popular Arab films such as The Embassy in the Building (2005)? Was all this simply due to the fact that in postindependence Latin America, particularly since the 1940s, there has been a growing de-orientalist discourse? Or did García Márquez craft a particular dialogue with the internal and external Arabs? With all this in mind, and by drawing on Latin American (de)orientalism in the works of Kushigian, Nagy-Zekmi, and Tyutina, among others, this article analyzes the dimensions and implications of García Márquez’s depiction of the internal Arab (immigrant in Latin America) in some of his novels as well as his dialogue with the external Arab (the Arab world) in some of his press articles.

“In YouTube We Trust”

2014 ◽  
pp. 57-71
Author(s):  
Aziz Douai
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Public Sphere ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Political Dissent ◽  
Human Rights Abuses ◽  
Exchange Site ◽  
Youtube Videos ◽  
Arab Societies ◽  
Shed Light

YouTube has enabled new forms of political dissent in Arab societies. This chapter examines the development and rise of YouTube in the Arab world. In particular, it looks at how this video exchange site is invigorating the online public sphere’s vigorous demand for political reform and respect for human rights. Specifically, this investigation explores how social networking capabilities have made YouTube an effective asset in dissidents’ arsenal among Arab activists. To examine the vibrancy of this fledgling online public sphere, the chapter scrutinizes how activists incorporated YouTube videos to shed light on human rights abuses, specifically police abuse, corruption, and brutality in two Arab countries, Egypt and Morocco. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the new campaigning modes that the Internet and YouTube have facilitated.

An Empirical Study of Problematic Internet Use and Self-Esteem

2013 ◽  
pp. 82-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Widyanto ◽  
Mark Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Problematic Internet Use ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Robust Evidence

Previous research has alluded to the existence of a relationship between self-esteem and problematic Internet use. The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and a number of distinct demographic, behavioural, and psychosocial variables. Using an online survey, a self-selected sample comprising 1,467 Internet users participated in the study. The survey comprised 50 questions including validated scales for both self-esteem (Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale) and problematic Internet use (Internet Related Problem Scale; IPRS) in addition to demographic information. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that problematic Internet users were more likely than non-problematic Internet users to post low self-esteem scores. Results showed that self-esteem was strongly and negatively associated with IRPS. Also, for those with high IRPS scores, participation in online forums was the primary online activity followed by online gaming and chatting. Although the study comprised a self-selecting sample and utilized self-report, the results appear to provide robust evidence of an association between self-esteem and problematic Internet use mirroring prior research in the area.

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