Digital history as participatory communication: platforms, trust, and youth engagement in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study examines how young audiences in Saudi Arabia engage with independent digital history content creators, focusing on patterns of interaction, perceived credibility, and participatory dynamics. Based on a stratified sample of 238 female students enrolled in history-related programs at a major university in Riyadh, the research employs a quantitative approach to investigate how digital historical narratives are received, trusted, and evaluated within informal media ecosystems. Findings indicate a strong preference for visually immersive platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, where narrative-driven content—particularly personal stories and intangible heritage—resonates most. Students valued accessible historical knowledge, educational entertainment, and exposure to credible sources. Trust was closely tied to citation practices, visible qualifications, and openness, whereas anonymity undermined perceived legitimacy. By positioning digital history as a form of participatory communication, this study contributes to broader debates on digital public history, informal knowledge production, and youth civic engagement.