Cultural Identity of University Youth under Digital Plurality: A Study at Khorfakkan University

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the level of cultural identity representation among university youth at Khorfakkan University in the context of digital plurality, analyze the nature of their patterns of digital usage, demonstrate the extent of its impact on the components of cultural identity, and reveal differences in the features of cultural identity. The study adopted the descriptive-analytical method. The study sample consisted of 150 male and female students enrolled at Khorfakkan University, distributed across five colleges. The study used a questionnaire tool to measure the level of cultural identity representation, patterns of digital use, and the impact of the university environment on cultural identity. The results showed that the level of cultural identity representation among students was high, with arithmetic means ranging between (3.85–4.32) and percentages between (77%–86.4%). The data indicated that students regularly use digital platforms for social and cultural purposes, with a clear tendency to employ them to enhance their awareness of national and cultural identity. The analyses indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the level of cultural identity between males and females or between colleges, while the average number of hours of daily digital use was significantly associated with a higher level of cultural identity representation. The study recommended enhancing the integration of digital plurality with university programs and activities to support cultural identity and developing digital educational strategies that encourage cultural openness while preserving national identity.