Ethical Standards of Digital Content and the Effectiveness of National Strategic Communication within the Framework of Saudi Vision 2030: An Analytical Study

Abstract

This study examined the level of compliance with professional and ethical standards in Saudi digital content related to Saudi Vision 2030 and assessed its alignment with the requirements of national strategic communication. It also investigated the relationship between these variables and differences associated with media platform type and content source. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical design using quantitative content analysis. A proportionate stratified sample of 350 digital items was selected from a population of 3,000 items published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and the Ministry of Media between 1 January and 31 December 2025. A three-point coding scale was used to assess accuracy and verification, objectivity and balance, transparency, professional responsibility, and avoidance of misleading content, alongside indicators of strategic message clarity and alignment with national objectives. The findings indicated a relatively high level of compliance with professional and ethical standards, with an overall mean score of 1.60 out of 2. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between compliance with these standards and the alignment of digital content with national strategic communication requirements (r = 0.72). Statistically significant differences were also identified according to media platform type (p = 0.018) and content source (p = 0.030). In the reported comparisons, content published by SPA recorded higher mean scores than content published by the Ministry of Media. The study highlights the importance of integrating professional and ethical standards into the planning, production, and evaluation of digital communication, as well as developing platform-sensitive professional guidelines to strengthen content credibility and improve the alignment of national strategic communication with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.