العدد 2 – يوليو- تموز 2023

or legally useful. This was reinforced with the negative effects of the use of social media through the spread of misinformation, fake news, ethnic and religious prejudices and cyberbullying, as well as the exacerbation of political and ideological polarisation in the Arab world. In a lecture during a conference organised by Al Jazeera Centre for Studies and the Department of Mass Communication at Qatar University on 1 and 2 March 2023 under the title, "Social Media Networks and Ideological Polarisation: Power Relations and Socio-Cultural Impact", Dr. Dajani weighs up ways other than those in which social media is currently used, so that the Arab world - at the level of states and individuals - can preserve the various humanising advantages, and increase the possibilities of the weak, the poor, and even the ignorant, to participate effectively in decisions that affect their lives, whether at the level of society or individual. Moreover, addressing the mounting problems of social media, Dajani argues, requires a social process approach and not mere regulatory measures. It also requires meaningful communication strategies that will bring about a change in thinking and acting. It also requires the introduction of positive roles for individuals and groups that help accept and promote positive change, as well as the development of local ideas and visions into practical plans for social development. Keywords : Social Media, Ethical and Legal Structure, Social Process, Meaningful Communication Strategies, Social Development.

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