How Do We Invest in Social Media?
The International Academy Institute for Training, in partnership with the Social Development Center in Medina, presented a course titled "How do we invest in social media?" This took place on Monday, the 7th of Ramadan, 1442 AH, at 11 PM, and the course was delivered by Professor Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rifai, former Dean of the College of Media and Communication, Chair Professor of New Media Studies at the university, UNESCO Chair for Dialogue among Followers of Religions and Cultures, and the media course was presented by Ms. Hattaf Tarabishi via Zoom (zoom).
The course revolved around several axes on how to invest in social media to succeed in professional and social life, and the doctor raised a question about what social media offers to the contemporary individual?
The doctor indicated that knowledge is the foundation for true happiness for individuals, and learning is a goal for everyone. In light of social media, there are no longer barriers preventing knowledge or learning; education is no longer exclusive to institutions and has become accessible to all. Through these means, society has become a comprehensive school in the hands of every individual, and social media provides suitable job opportunities through online stores and more. The basic principle in investing in social media is that the benefits should contribute to sustainable development, away from spreading toxins, risks, and harms that destroy communities and nations.
Dr. Al-Rifai clarified indicators for investing in media communication, including: acceptance of differing opinions, a measure of relationships, and achieving a kind of success in education through the experiences available in those various means. Additionally, it is important not to offend or disturb others through these means, and media can be utilized to convey and highlight the virtues of the noble Islamic religion on a wide scale, clarifying its tolerance, status, and the clear and correct image of the religion, as well as defending the Islamic nation and homeland in a correct, legitimate, civilized, and wise manner.
Dr. Al-Rifai also added: Social media has eliminated monopolies; everyone can have their own media channels and diverse programs. A good media person must adhere to certain rules for success, which are: starting from the principle of taking, as people are the ones who decide what they watch, listen to, and read. Content or value is essential, and lengthy content in social applications is not recommended. It is important for information to be documented and accurate, presented creatively and aesthetically, and to avoid false, misleading, and incorrect information, as media work relies on credibility and transparency.
The doctor also indicated that modern technology and social media have raised people's expectations. The Kingdom has been classified among the top countries providing services through direct social media, both governmental and private, saving time, effort, and resources. There should also be strict rules for dealing with these means, setting a specific goal for them, following beneficial content, avoiding harmful content, and focusing on purposeful topics while distinguishing between valuable and trivial content.
The electronic newspaper Oyun Al-Madina spoke with Dr. Abdullah Al-Rifai at the end of the training course, and he had this conversation with the newspaper: I was pleased today to hold the course on how to invest in social media, and the goal of this course is to enhance individuals' investment and develop their sustainable capabilities so they can achieve many of their goals and benefit their community. I am also happy with this attendance and interaction, and we ask Allah Almighty to grant us success in presenting and achieving all the desired goals.
I also thank the ACADEMION International Training Institute for providing this opportunity, and I also thank the Social Development Center in Medina. I extend my gratitude to the Prince of Medina Region, Prince Faisal bin Salman, for his support of all these efforts taking place in Medina and for this exceptional work of this center, which will have enriching results, God willing, at the level of the city and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and this goodness will extend, God willing, through social media applications to encompass the Arab and Islamic world.