Date of Award
12-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Communication
Committee Chair
Dr. Edgar Simson
Committee Chair School
Communication
Committee Member 2
Dr. Dave Davies
Committee Member 2 School
Communication
Committee Member 3
Dr. Fei Xue
Committee Member 3 School
Communication
Committee Member 4
Dr. Manu Bhandari
Committee Member 4 School
Communication
Abstract
This dissertation examines how consumption of Western streaming content via Netflix influences Saudi Arabian young adults’ attitudes toward tattoos and premarital relationships. Tattoos and dating before marriage are traditionally stigmatized in Saudi society, yet rapid social change and Vision 2030 reforms have increased exposure to global media. Drawing on Social Learning and Cultivation theories and broader perspectives of Social Change, Modernization, Cultural Hegemony and Globalization, the study tests whether repeated exposure to streamed representations predicts more progressive attitudes.
A cross-sectional survey of 168 Saudi young adults measured Netflix viewing and attitudes toward tattoos and premarital relationships. Statistical analyses revealed significant positive correlations between streaming frequency and progressive attitudes, consistent with Social Learning and Cultivation theories.
Copyright
Copyright Mohammed Khushaim, 2025
Recommended Citation
Khushaim, Mohammed, "The Impact of Netflix’s Consumption on the Saudi Young Adults’ Behavior, Attitudes, and Perceptions Towards Tattoos and Pre-Marital Relationships" (2025). Dissertations. 2401.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2401
Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Other International and Area Studies Commons