Disparities in Design for a Youth Audience: “Digital Native” Versus “Digital Migrant” Newspapers in Saudi Arabia

Eman Alkhomees () and Nasya Bahfen
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Eman Alkhomees: Department of Communication and Media, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
Nasya Bahfen: Department of Politics, Media, and Philosophy, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-29

Abstract: This study investigated how the front-page designs of digital newspapers differ based on institutional origin—comparing platforms that were born-digital with those that have transitioned from print—focusing specifically on their appeal to Generation Z audiences. Grounded in Media Richness Theory, this research employed a mixed-methods approach that combined a quantitative visual content analysis with qualitative semi-structured interviews. In the quantitative phase, the front pages of ten Saudi digital newspapers (five digital-native and five digital-migrant) were systematically analyzed to identify differences in their layouts, typography, multimedia usage, and interactivity. The qualitative phase then explored Generation Z users’ perceptions of the design clarity, visual engagement, and interactive affordances, as well as their suggestions for improving interface usability. The results indicate that digital-native newspapers more closely adhere to contemporary digital design standards and demonstrate significantly higher levels of media richness. This study contributes to digital journalism scholarship by offering both theoretical insights into interface-centered richness and practical design recommendations for enhancing user experience and engagement among younger audiences.

Keywords: digital news; journalism design; online newspapers; media richness theory; interactive design; multimedia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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