At the King Abdulaziz Centre for Digital Wellbeing Summit in Saudi Arabia, stakeholders have emphasised the urgency of implementing Technology regulations to prevent the potential onset of another widespread pandemic due to its adverse effects. During the summit, data from the past year was presented, indicating that 53 percent of individuals stated they would choose to live without a close friend over giving up their phones. Thirteen thousand individuals gathered at the summit titled “Confronting the Digital Paradox” to explore the idea of reshaping the future of technology in a way that benefits them rather than being at its mercy.
According to Mr. Fahad AlBeyahi, the leader of the Summit, the recently released Digital Wellbeing Global Report is the result of a comprehensive survey that gathered responses from 35,000 individuals over 18 years old. The survey covered 35 countries on five continents, including six countries from Africa, including Nigeria. During the summit, cyberbullying was a key topic of discussion. Kristen Bride shared a heartbreaking story about losing her son to suicide after he was relentlessly targeted on Snapchat nearly four years ago.
Over 70 speakers from diverse fields discuss tech at the global event.
Following the event, Bride transformed into a passionate advocate for Social Media reform, dedicating her time and energy to preventing further tragedies. The conference featured more than 70 speakers from various fields, including industry professionals, academics, scientists, healthcare providers, government officials, and Innovation experts from around the globe. Some distinguished speakers at the event were Steve Wozniak, one of Apple’s founders; Kevin Kelly, who co-founded Wired Magazine; José Mourinho, a famous Portuguese soccer manager; and Rumman Chowdhury, a skilled AI data scientist.
The general sentiment expressed by the speakers and panellists was optimism regarding the potential for advancement, provided that members of the global digital community act ethically and thoroughly understand how they utilise, oversee, and engage with digital technology’s ever-expanding influence on society. During the summit, AI specialist Ayisha Piotti shared her motivation for joining the AI industry, a deep-seated worry about the planet’s future and technology’s potential impact on her children. As parents, there are two paths to passively watch events unfold or actively participate in shaping a better future for the next generation.
Summit addressed diverse topics, including online impact on mental health.
Furthermore, the digital Culture summit covered a range of issues, such as social media addiction, cyberbullying, growing isolation, and the impact of the online platform-driven attention industry on mental health. Discussions also highlighted strategies for harm reduction through education, promoting physical and mental well-being, and minimising the negative influence of malicious individuals on online users. In the survey, it was revealed that a significant number of participants felt that social media platforms are intentionally created to be addictive, with 73 percent agreeing with this view.
Also, 52 percent expressed worries about social media’s impact on their health. On a positive note, 53 percent reported that their utilisation of technology in the past year had enhanced their Productivity and mindfulness. Additionally, 62 percent of those surveyed feel confident in their social media usage and view it as a deliberate choice. Furthermore, 33 percent of participants have taken the initiative to regain control by deleting apps or disabling notifications. A notable aspect of the study focused on online gaming. A majority of 77 percent of participants admitted to being hooked on games, with 60 percent opting for Gaming on mobile devices for the convenience they offer.
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Lastly, the Digital Well-Being Summit will provide a platform for discussing creating policies and guidelines to promote a healthier relationship with digital platforms. It will also explore ways to increase Digital Literacy and awareness among African populations. By fostering collaboration and dialogue among various stakeholders, Sync aims to empower communities to make informed decisions about their digital usage and protect themselves from potential risks. Ultimately, the Summit seeks to pave the way for Africa’s more balanced and sustainable digital future.