Investigating the Use of Social Media in Supporting Children with Cognitive Disabilities and Their Caregivers from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study investigates the use of social media in supporting and empowering Saudi caregivers of children with cognitive disabilities. Through interviews with 13 caregivers, we examined the motivations and concerns around using social media in relation to their children or students’ conditions. We also investigated the role of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that caregivers used social media with caution to seek information and emotional support, to spread awareness, and to communicate and build communities. Our findings also suggest that caregivers face a great deal of challenges in security and privacy, social stigma and negative discussions, misinformation, and lack of resources.