The 2024 Social Responsibility Forum hosted a notable panel titled "Social Media and Content Influencers in Promoting Social Responsibility," where academics and specialists discussed the major role social media platforms play in shaping society. The session was held at the Saudi Press Agency headquarters and moderated by Dr. Turfa bin Humaid, with the participation of Dr. Saeed Al-Ghamdi, Dr. Majida Al-Suwaih, and Dr. Majid Al-Ghamdi.

Key Discussion Points

  1. The Role of Social Platforms in Promoting Social Responsibility
    • Speakers examined how social media has become an effective tool for spreading awareness and promoting societal values through celebrities and influential content creators.
    • The session highlighted media social-responsibility theories and how they apply to digital platforms.
  2. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Social Media
    • Benefits:
      • Precise audience targeting.
      • Fostering transparency and open dialogue.
      • Enabling companies to engage individuals in social responsibility programs.
    • Drawbacks:
      • The risk of spreading misinformation.
      • Excessive focus on financial gain at the expense of socially meaningful content.
  3. Figures and Statistics
    • Academics presented the latest statistics on internet and mobile users worldwide and locally, highlighting the most widely used platforms in Saudi Arabia, such as Twitter (X), Instagram and Snapchat.
  4. Impact on Behavior and Policy
    • Participants explained how social media influences consumer behavior and public policy.
    • They stressed the importance of credible content and its role in building emotional connection with audiences and driving positive change in attitudes and social skills.

Key Recommendations

  • Expanding the use of social media to support social responsibility programs through meaningful, credible content.
  • Empowering content influencers to raise community issues and propose innovative solutions.
  • Encouraging companies to invest in advertising campaigns that spread social awareness while generating economic returns.
  • Continuing scientific research to deepen understanding of social media's impact on individuals and communities.

Toward a More Aware and Responsible Society

The session concluded that social media is no longer just a tool for spreading information — it has become an influential force capable of changing behavior and attitudes and promoting positive values, contributing to sustainable development.