The Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah Branch, organized a lecture entitled "National Awareness in Digital Media," presented by Dr. Omar Al-Shayea, an expert in the field of digital media, attended by academics, students, and those interested in media affairs. The lecture addressed ways to employ digital platforms to enhance national belonging and confront the challenges arising from the spread of misleading content.
It revolved around several axes, including:
- The Role of Digital Media in Spreading National Awareness: Dr. Al-Shayea emphasized that digital platforms have become a fundamental pillar for enhancing national identity, especially with the expanding scope of their influence among young people. He pointed out that interactive awareness campaigns, such as those highlighting national achievements or encouraging community participation, contribute to establishing values of belonging.
- Confronting Fake News and its Impact on Society: The lecturer discussed the danger of the "information disorder" resulting from the spread of fake news, which threatens social cohesion. He proposed practical solutions to address it, most notably:
- Developing skills to verify sources before sharing content.
- Enhancing cooperation between media institutions and technical bodies to monitor misleading content.
- Activating the roles of "citizen journalists" in publishing accurate information.
- The Responsibility of Individuals in Publishing Purposeful Content: Al-Shayea stressed that users are not merely recipients but partners in shaping the digital space. He called for adopting publishing ethics, such as avoiding rumors and focusing on content that promotes positive values, while using national hashtags to spread awareness.
- National Values in Digital Media: He explained that promoting values such as belonging, tolerance, and moderation through digital platforms contributes to building a generation aware of national issues, pointing to successful initiatives such as the "Saudis Build" initiative, which embodies the spirit of social responsibility.
Audience Interaction: The lecture witnessed remarkable interaction from the attendees, as their interventions sparked a discussion about ways to protect new generations from digital challenges and the importance of integrating national awareness concepts into educational curricula.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Dr. Al-Shayea affirmed that "digital transformation is a golden opportunity to create content that reflects the authenticity of society and its aspirations." For its part, the university announced a plan to organize a series of specialized workshops in digital media in partnership with several entities concerned with the same matter.
