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Kuwait Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Forum discusses media psychology and digital transformation
KUWAIT: The 20th Arab Media Forum concluded on Monday, wrapping up a dynamic agenda with five dialogue sessions that addressed key issues shaping the regional media landscape. Topics discussed included the psychological behavior of media users, the representation of women in the media sector, and the legal frameworks governing traditional and digital media platforms. The final day commenced with a session titled 'Psychological Behavior in Media and Social Media', featuring psychiatrist Dr Mohab Mujahid and prominent media figure Mustafa Agha, moderated by Rahaf Al-Sawalha. Speakers explored the deep intersection between media and human psychology, emphasizing the media's powerful influence on collective awareness and emotional states. The panel examined how media content can either instill reassurance or incite anxiety, depending on how messages are framed and disseminated across digital platforms. Dr Mujahid shed light on the rising trend of 'fabricated negativity' on social media, describing it as an addictive behavior in which users intentionally provoke or shock to draw attention. Meanwhile, Agha emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, urging respect for differing opinions and discouraging personal attacks, noting that diversity of thought should foster discussion — not division. In a session titled 'Journalism... An Endless Profession', speakers delved into the future of journalism amid rapid digital evolution. The panel featured Mahmoud Al-Mamlouk, Editor-in-Chief of Cairo 24, and Rashid Al-Hamar, Editor-in-Chief of Bahrain's Al-Ayam newspaper, with moderation by Sultan Al-Qahtani, Editor-in-Chief of Riyadh Post. Discussions focused on the increasing challenges posed by social media's dominance and the urgent need for traditional outlets to pivot towards impactful digital content. Al-Mamlouk underscored the fierce competition between digital journalism and social platforms, while Al-Hamar called for strategic transformations to modernize legacy media through robust social media engagement. The third session, 'Women and the Media: Mental Image and Professional Skills', highlighted the evolving role of women in the media sector. The panel included former Egyptian Minister of Information Dr Doria Sharaf El Din, President of the Emirates Journalists Association Fadhila Al Muaini, Kuwaiti academic Dr Samar Baqer, and Lebanese journalist Lana Madwar, moderated by Emirati Dr Maya Al Hawari. Speakers noted the significant strides made in empowering women to assume leadership roles within media institutions, crediting this shift to cultural evolution, enhanced educational access, and inclusive policy frameworks. The session also addressed how media portrayals influence public perceptions of women and stressed the need for continuous skill development amid a fast-changing media environment. Legal and regulatory dimensions were tackled in the fourth session, 'Laws and Legislation in the Media and Social Media', held in cooperation with the Kuwait Lawyers Association. The session featured Egyptian lawyer Dr Mohamed Abu Shaqa and Kuwaiti legal expert Dr Hussein Al-Abdullah. Participants noted that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected across much of the Arab world, it must be exercised responsibly and in line with legal boundaries that safeguard public order and individual dignity. The session emphasized the need for ethical compliance and respect for societal norms in digital and traditional media practices. The forum concluded with an open dialogue titled 'Media: Message and Rules', led by Islamic preacher Mustafa Hosni and moderated by Secretary-General of the Forum Madi Al-Khamis. Hosni highlighted the importance of maintaining humility and ethical responsibility in media work, stressing that professionals should remain grounded in spiritual and moral values regardless of their influence or reach. Held under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the 20th edition of the Arab Media Forum was launched on Saturday under the theme 'Media Challenges in Light of Technological Development and Digital Transformation.' The event witnessed wide participation from across the Arab world, with the United Arab Emirates honored as the guest of this year's session. — KUNA
Al-Ahram Weekly
06-04-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Global economic outlook uncertain amid new US tariffs: IMF Executive Director - Economy
"The new US tariffs have made it difficult to accurately assess the global economic landscape," said Mohamed Maait, the Executive Director of the Arab Group at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as reported by Egyptian media outlet Cairo24. According to Cairo24, Maait stated that while the full effects of the tariffs are still unfolding, early signs of impact are already visible. These include significant declines in global financial markets, a drop in oil prices, and a decrease in the value of the US dollar against a basket of major currencies. Maait also pointed to warnings from global banks, which predict a 60 percent chance of a recession, particularly in the US. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from 180 countries, including Egypt and 18 other Arab nations. The new tariffs, ranging from 10 to 49 percent, took effect on 5 April. The former Egyptian finance minister noted that the impact of the tariffs would be felt swiftly, with expectations of rising inflation, slower interest rate cuts, and potentially higher financing costs in the near future. Additionally, Maait highlighted the risk of increased goods costs, slower growth rates, higher unemployment, and a decline in global trade volume by more than one percent. He also noted the potential for higher goods costs, lower growth rates, higher unemployment, and a decline in global trade volume by more than one percent. These factors could undermine confidence in the global economic system and increase uncertainty. Maait further emphasized that the short- and medium-term economic situation will largely depend on how other countries respond to the US trade measures and how the US itself reacts to those responses. He concluded that the full impact of the tariffs would become clearer in the coming days. Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF's managing director, expressed similar concerns on Friday via statement. "We are still assessing the macroeconomic implications of the announced tariff measures, but they clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth," Georgieva wrote. "It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy. We appeal to the US and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty." Georgieva noted that the World Economic Outlook, set to be published during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings beginning on 21 April, will include the IMF's full assessment. In parallel, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned on Friday that the larger-than-expected tariffs could fuel global inflation and slow economic growth worldwide. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
