Zain Interactive Forum: Great News for Individuals and Societies

Sudanhorizon- Follow-ups
Coinciding with World Social Media Day, the Sudanese mobile phone company “Zain”, on Wednesday organized the 3rd Edition of the Zain Interactive Forum, July 9, 2025, via its official account on “X” platform.
This time, the forum was focussed on discussion of the positive use of social media and examining the media, technical, psychological, and social impacts of these platforms, which have come to dominate the details of people’s daily lives.
Participating in this event, which generated remarkable interaction, were Professor Ali Mohammed Shamou, a renowned Sudanese media expert; Dr. Ezz El-Din Kamel Amin, a communications and technology specialist; Dr. Sulaima Ishaq Al-Khalifa, a mental health and community recovery expert; and influencer Bakri Saif, an entrepreneur and purposeful content creator. The discussion was moderated by the distinguished anchor and director of the Blue Nile Satellite Channel, Ammar Sheela.
Ahmed Ibrahim opened the meeting, welcoming the guests and explaining that the forum falls within Zain’s commitment to openness to societal issues and providing a platform for positive, constructive dialogue on current topics, including education, scientific research, and e-learning.
Professor Ali Shamou presented a historical overview of the media landscape in Sudan, emphasizing Sudan’s leadership in communications and broadcasting since the nineteenth century. He warned of the challenges posed by contemporary media openness, particularly in light of the dominance of social media platforms and the spread of hate speech, bullying, and the violation of privacy.
Dr. Ezz El-Din Kamel dwelt on the rapid development of technology, noting that algorithms have come to control the user experience on digital platforms and provide companies with unprecedented analytical tools that could be exploited for evaluation, marketing, and smart targeting. He emphasized the importance of leveraging these tools without falling into the trap of absolute dependence on technology.
Dr. Salma Ishaq focused on psychological effects, explaining that bullying, gossip, and the violation of privacy are rooted in factors such as addiction, depression, and a weak psychological identity. She called for creating positive content and fostering healthy relationships as a step toward sustainable societal recovery.

Professor Bakri Seif shared a rich personal experience in content creation, explaining that social media is a double-edged sword and that individuals should guide it, not be led by it. He pointed to the dangers of “mob politics” and the growing phenomenon of directed and biased content.
It’s worth noting that the Zain Interactive Forum aims to maximize the role of responsible community debate and to raise the quality of Sudanese content on digital platforms by hosting intellectual figures and specialized experts to discuss pressing issues that contribute to building an informed public awareness and a more cohesive digital society.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=6449