Mediaplus Doha marks world social media day with thought-provoking discussion on responsible digital engagement
Media Plus Doha Marks World Social Media Day with thought-provoking discussion on responsible digital engagement
Doha: Calling for the responsible, ethical, and productive use of social media, Media Plus Doha organized a special panel discussion to mark World Social Media Day, bringing together community leaders, media professionals, psychologists, and social activists to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges presented by digital platforms in today’s interconnected world.
The event emphasized that while social media has revolutionized global communication, its true value lies in how responsibly it is used to promote knowledge, positive relationships, and social progress.
Inaugurating the programme, Abdul Raouf Kondotty, Member of the Lok Kerala Sabha, said that social media has become one of the most transformative innovations of the modern era, connecting people across geographical boundaries within seconds and creating unprecedented opportunities for communication, education, business, and community development.
He observed that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and WhatsApp have empowered individuals and organizations to share ideas, build businesses, mobilize humanitarian initiatives, and strengthen global relationships. However, he cautioned that the immense influence of social media also places a significant responsibility on every user to ensure that these platforms contribute positively to society.
The keynote address was delivered by psychologist Ayesha Saibul Asta Soul, who discussed the psychological impact of excessive social media usage, particularly among children and young adults. She highlighted how digital addiction, social comparison, cyberbullying, anxiety, and misinformation are emerging challenges in today’s online environment.
She stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between virtual engagement and real-life relationships, encouraging parents, educators, and community organizations to guide young people toward mindful and responsible digital behaviour. Our each like, comment and share matter a lot in life.
The discussion highlighted that social media has dramatically transformed the way people communicate. What once required letters, expensive telephone calls, or physical meetings can now be accomplished instantly with a single click. Today, people can connect with friends across continents, exchange knowledge, expand businesses, organize charitable initiatives, and participate in meaningful public discourse regardless of geographical distance.
At the same time, speakers noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has also given rise to serious concerns, including fake news, misinformation, cybercrime, online fraud, privacy violations, hate speech, digital addiction, and unethical online behaviour. They emphasized that technological advancement should always be accompanied by digital responsibility and ethical communication.
Participants called upon social media users to verify information before sharing it, refrain from spreading misinformation and hate content, protect personal data and privacy, avoid sharing indecent or unethical material, and actively contribute content that educates, inspires, and benefits society. They also emphasized the importance of promoting compassion, mutual respect, digital etiquette, and responsible online citizenship.
The speakers collectively observed that technology was created to serve humanity—not to enslave it. Social media, they said, should become a platform for knowledge sharing, friendship, innovation, cultural exchange, and social development rather than division, hostility, or manipulation.
Describing social media as a “double-edged sword,” the panel emphasized that its impact depends entirely on how individuals choose to use it. Used wisely, it can educate, empower, and unite communities. Used irresponsibly, it can spread misinformation, deepen divisions, and negatively affect mental health and social harmony.
The programme concluded with a collective appeal to individuals, families, educational institutions, and community organizations to foster a culture of responsible digital engagement. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting ethical communication, fact-based information sharing, constructive dialogue, and positive social values across digital platforms.
Among those who participated in the discussion were Dr. Amanulla Vadakkangara, CEO of Media Plus, Shanu green Jobs , Shamla Jaafar, Uwais Usman, Bindu Chandran, Shafeeq Al Mas, Hafeesulla K.V, Muneer Thoolika, Siddique Cheruvalloor, Rafi Parakkattil, and Jasmine, who shared their perspectives on the growing influence of social media and the collective responsibility of users in creating a safer, more informed, and compassionate digital society.
The World Social Media Day programme concluded with a strong message that while social media has the power to connect the world like never before, its greatest strength lies in being used responsibly to build understanding, promote knowledge, strengthen communities, and inspire positive social change.