Dubai: Twitter has given the regular citizen a powerful platform and a voice that was previously unavailable to them, according to panellists on the opening day of the 11th Arab Media Forum (AMF 2012).
Titled ‘Twitter Stars and the Echo of Tweets,’ the session addressed the use of social networks in the Arab world and their influence on communities. It also examinedthe nature of content on Twitter, as well as its credibility, ethics of practice, and efficacy over traditional media.
Moderated by Nasser Al Sarami, Head of Media, Al Arabiya News Channel, the panel featured Abdul Aziz Al Shalan, new media expert, Saudi Arabia, Ammar Mohammad, blogger, Qatar; Amr Salama, blogger and writer, Egypt; Dima Khatib, blogger, and Mohammad Abdallah Al Qabi, producer, Fujairah, UAE.
Highlighting the overwhelming impact of Twitter in today’s world, Abdulaziz Al Shalan said: "It is my belief that anyone who embraces Twitter for their agenda, either for personal, political or social purposes, can truly change the world. With my own personal account, it has been my goal to provide information that is useful to a large number of people.”
Ammar Mohammad added: "Twitter has given the people a voice and added immense value to the on-going political change in the region. However, it is important to harness this platform for objectives other than raising political awareness. I have now moved away from politics to focus more on using my Twitter presence for cascading benefits on the social and community front. ”
Amr Salama’s blog boasts more than 150,000 followers, while his YouTube channel has received more than 1.50 million views. He said: “There are a number of commonalities between those tweeting before and during the revolution. The platform primarily served as a key source of first-hand information for the public. As a result of a lack of clarity from political parties, people resorted to news and alerts broadcasted by fellow citizens.”
Dima Khatib added: “Over the course of the political change in the Arab world, Twitter changed the way news was both sourced and reported. Starting out in Latin America, my account has evolved into a source of news for a number of journalists covering the changes in the Arab region.”
The work shop additionally looked at the US government’s attempts to impose electronic surveillance laws on Twitter.
Based on his experience in the cinema industry, Mohammad Al Qabi said: “In terms of cinema production, Twitter has greatly influenced my outlook on the cinema industry. I have a number of followers across the Arab world that seek feedback especially with western content, through the ‘Arab eyes’. Twitter has influenced my orientation and taken me closer to the Arab movie culture.”
Themed ‘Arab Media: Exposure and Transition’, the 11th Arab Media Forum opened today and will run until 9 May.
