Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
TRENDS Research & Advisory continues its impactful contributions at the Global Media Congress 2024 as the official knowledge partner for the third edition. The Centre hosted a series of events and signed several strategic media cooperation agreements.
The pavilion was also visited by H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, who was briefed about its activities which was prepared in partnership between TRENDS and the National Media Council and honoured several media professionals with the TRENDS Media Medal. In his presence, the study on “the role of media regulatory institutions in artificial intelligence,” was launched.”
For the second consecutive day, the TRENDS pavilion, enhanced with AI technologies in Hall 9 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, attracted numerous VIPs, officials, and media leaders, who praised TRENDS for its global reach and influential presence.
Youth Panel Discussion
As part of its activities at the Congress, the TRENDS Youth Council held a panel discussion titled "Youth in Media: Shaping the Future of the Digital World", bringing together young media professionals and researchers to explore challenges and opportunities in the modern digital media landscape.
The discussion focused on three themes: the impact of social media on youth identity, the role of young researchers in shaping media, and the importance of mental health in the digital era.
Moderated by Al-Anood Al-Hosani, Researcher, Head of TRENDS Podcast, and Head of TRENDS Youth Council, the panel discussion featured Nasser Al-Mansouri, Member of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council; Mariam Mohamed Al-Nuaimi, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Section, and Chair of the Ajman Chamber Youth Council; and Mariam Al-Junaibi, Barometer Specialist and Member of TRENDS Youth Council.
Social Media and Youth Identity
The first theme, titled "Building a Digital Identity: Navigating Social Media as a Young Person", explored how social media platforms shape youth culture, self-perception, and mental health.
The panellists discussed the pros and cons of social media for self-expression and connection and examined the pressures of curated online identities and the impact on body image, self-worth, and societal expectations.
Youth Voices
Under the title "Amplifying Youth Voices: How Young Researchers are Using Media to Drive Change", the second theme explored how young researchers are utilising various media platforms, such as social media, podcasts, and blogs, to share their research and influence public conversations.
The panellists discussed the importance of media literacy for young researchers in ensuring their work is accurately represented and reaches a wide audience, and examined the challenges young researchers face in an age of misinformation, and how they can use media to combat false narratives while promoting credible knowledge.
Mental Health in Digital Era
The last theme focused on finding balance between mental health and the use of social media. It discussed the challenges of online bullying, comparison culture, and the pressure to perform online, and presented practical solutions, including digital detoxes and creating supportive online communities.
Recommendations
The panel discussion concluded with recommendations for navigating the digital world responsibly and positively, emphasising the importance of balancing mental health and digital engagement. Panellists underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the future of media through influential voices and innovative initiatives that foster positive societal change.
Key recommendations included: utilising media to disseminate research and studies effectively, focusing on youth-related issues, collaborating with media institutions, supporting youth initiatives, creating a safe environment for innovation, developing educational programmes, developing policies to protect youth from the negative impacts of digital media, empowering young people, ensuring information accuracy, and promoting positive content.
Four Cooperation Agreements
As part of its activities at the third edition of the Global Media Congress, TRENDS Research & Advisory signed four memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with various organisations and institutions to strengthen its network of media and research partnerships.
These MOUs aim to enhance collaboration in media and research, conduct joint opinion polls and related studies, exchange experts and researchers, leverage databases and information, and organise diverse events and activities.
TRENDS signed the first MOU with the UAE Barq news platform to boost research and media collaboration between the two sides. A similar MOU was signed with Liwaa UAE news network to produce educational scientific and knowledge content and support research dissemination through media channels.
The third MOU was signed between TRENDS and Gentle UAE news network, focusing on producing scientific and knowledge content and promoting research culture within the community.
TRENDS signed the last MOU with the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Professionals with the aim of strengthening partnership and engagement between the two sides in the field of specialised research and studies, as well as launching quality training programmes and courses.
TRENDS Media Medal
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, honoured several prominent media figures, awarding them the TRENDS Media Medal in recognition of their media efforts in supporting scientific research and knowledge.
