AFMAI sessions address cultural identity and psychological impacts of digital media
The Arab Forum for Media and Artificial Intelligence (AFMAI) continued its second day of sessions with the active participation of distinguished media professionals, academics, thinkers, and artists from across the Arab world. Discussions centered on the evolving role of media in the era of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies.
The day began with a session titled “Transparency and Information Verification in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” featuring contributions from Dr. Mohammed Huwaiden, Advisor Nabil Al-Hamar, and Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah. The session was moderated by former Minister of Information Sami Al-Nisf, reports Al-Rai daily.
The speakers underscored the critical importance of developing robust tools for verifying information to combat misinformation and fake news, stressing that media credibility is more vital than ever in the AI age.
The second session, “User Privacy and Data Protection,” focused on the growing necessity for legal and technical safeguards to protect personal data. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Authority, emphasized that cybersecurity is now a fundamental requirement amid rising global cyber threats, and not a luxury or afterthought.
Later sessions tackled topics such as cultural identity in the digital space and the psychological impact of media and social platforms. Participants stressed the urgent need for widespread digital literacy and education to empower users to navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape responsibly and knowledgeably.
The day concluded with an artistic session titled “Art Between Responsibility and Market Demands,” featuring prominent artists from Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, and Jordan. The panel explored how AI is influencing the creative process and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial pressures.
Egyptian actor and artist Sameh Hussein affirmed that despite technological advancements, “art will always remain a deeply human expression that cannot be confined to tools or automated processes.”
The forum’s discussions reflected a shared commitment to responsibly harnessing technology while preserving the human, ethical, and cultural dimensions of media and creativity.
