This qualitative study mainly investigates the role of watching television programs within a family context and collectively in Saudi family cohesion, in light of the increasing concerns about family cohesion in the digital age and the search for solutions and alternatives.
First, the research in this study showed that television, from its global beginnings, was present within Saudi society, and was able to spread widely within Saudi society within a short period, and now there is at least one television set in every Saudi home.
In general, Arab, Saudi and Gulf studies have proven that television is used within the family to increase family cohesion. Saudi studies have also proven that Saudi society and the Saudi family have their own distinctive characteristics, cultures, and customs, which were revealed by the research presented by this study, confirming that it is a religious and conservative environment, and consists of multiple, interconnected individuals within one family, in a way that differs from European societies.
Based on a review of studies, in general, children watching television programs alone and without guidance may cause violence or misunderstanding of what they are watching. On the other hand, watching TV programs among family members together helps them interact with each other, which is different from individual use.
Based on the results of this study, the study recommends that Saudi society turn to watching television programs among family members, and that television programming stations and digital platforms pay attention to family programs, and increase the display of this type of programs. The importance of implementing this recommendation comes in view of the results of research that indicate increased isolation among family members due to watching programs on a mobile phone alone.