Multimodal Social Network Analysis: Exploring Language, Visual, and Audio Data in Online Communities

Abstract

This research investigates the complex dynamics of online communities in Saudi Arabia by analyzing textual and visual data. This study reveals a mutually beneficial association between technological discourse and visual representation, highlighting the dynamic narrative of a society that is profoundly involved in technological progress. Furthermore, the analysis uncovers the existence of a participatory culture wherein active discussions regarding cultural elements actively contribute to the formation and collaborative development of visual depictions of cultural events within the online community. Moreover, this study presents a challenge to prevailing perspectives on entertainment by emphasizing the wide range of cultural manifestations, surpassing the notion that humor is the exclusive portrayal within this intricate sphere. The study places its primary emphasis on textual and visual modalities, but it also recognizes the potential importance of audio dynamics. It encourages further investigation into the auditory aspect of online interactions. This study makes a valuable contribution to the scholarly understanding of the dynamic cultural identity, integration of technology, and various modes of expression found within the digital realm of online communities in Saudi Arabia.