CO-DESIGNING DIGITAL NUDGES TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INCLUSION AND GENDER EQUALITY AMONG ARAB YOUTH IN ONLINE COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Abstract Background Digital nudges, leveraging technology to subtly influence behavior, are increasingly recognized as effective tools for addressing societal challenges. However, there remains a scarcity of co-designed digital nudges specifically targeting social inclusion and gender equality within Arab communities. Aim This thesis aims to address this gap by investigating the development, implementation, and evaluation of co-designed digital nudges tailored to promote positive societal change, with a specific focus on enhancing social inclusion and advancing gender equality among Arab youth in Qatar. Method The research methodology comprises three primary approaches: exploratory, participatory, and experimental. In the exploratory phase, a systematic literature review highlights the limited presence of co-designed digital nudges promoting social inclusion and gender equality, underscoring the necessity for this research. The participatory design phase involves over 30 participants in three separate co-design workshops, resulting in 12 distinct digital nudge designs, four of which were chosen through voting. Additionally, semi-structured interviews and surveys are conducted to examine participants’ perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward social inclusion and gender equality. Finally, the experimental phase focuses on evaluating participants’ immediate reactions to the co-designed interventions by measuring visual attention and engagement through eye-tracking techniques, providing crucial insights into their effectiveness within Arab communities. Findings The findings highlight the importance of culturally grounded and participatory approaches in designing digital nudges for Arab communities. The study demonstrates how co-designed interventions can support more inclusive online communication and contribute to broader discussions in behavioral public policy, digital governance, and socially responsible technology design. The findings further provide practical insights for policymakers, educators, and digital platform designers seeking to develop culturally sensitive interventions that promote social inclusion and gender equality among youth populations.

Date of Award	2026
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering