UNIPATH STAFF
The threat of digital disinformation was the subject of an Omani conference attended by researchers from 20 countries.
The 3rd International Communications Technology Conference, organized by the Sultan Qaboos University’s Department of Mass Communication in March 2021, shed light on the transformations of the digital age and the rapid advancement of information technology.
Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Harasi, Omani minister of information, underscored the importance of education and conventional communication media in protecting youth against conventional mass media campaigns he viewed as a byproduct of the spread of information technology.
“The downside of modern communication media is that they are often used as platforms for disinformation and malicious — if not destructive — messages, such as all forms of sectarian rhetoric, hate narratives and misleading information. And this, we believe, must be refuted through responsible media-based education,” Dr. Al-Harasi said.
Though he warned conference members about the menace of the huge amount of misinformation and disinformation transmitted by social media platforms, the minister expressed optimism about conventional media outlets reclaiming their popularity. Some studies conducted by Sultan Qaboos University showed increased viewership for fact-based programs on Omani television.
Nevertheless, Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Kindi, who helped organize the conference, said the subject of manipulation in the modern media environment warrants further research. “Many of those concerned and researchers in the field of teaching mass media raise multiple questions, setting the stage for more comprehensive research,” he said.
Sources: rosaelyoussef.com, asdaaoman.com, Cyber Security Intelligence