Dr. Ghada Amer, an artificial intelligence expert at the Center for Support and Decision-Making, has raised concerns about the risks associated with technology, particularly when it comes to children. She notes that some technological goals are commercial, seeking to increase the amount of time children spend in front of screens, while others aim to influence the thoughts and perceptions of young people.
According to Dr. Amer, excessive use of social media platforms can lead to psychological pressures due to unrealistic comparisons, as well as a decline in critical and deep thinking skills, social isolation, and the loss of some life skills. She emphasizes that these platforms use artificial intelligence to analyze user interactions and interests to determine the content that may be more exciting or violent.
Dr. Amer warns about the use of data poisoning techniques to target young people's awareness, especially given the ability of new generations to bypass some protection tools. She stresses the need for an integrated partnership between families, schools, media, and government institutions to raise digital awareness among parents and children and direct technology use towards positive paths.
The expert suggests that this can be achieved by learning about cybersecurity, e-marketing, and activating thinking and review skills while using artificial intelligence to perform school assignments. This was discussed on the "This Morning" program, presented by Shahab Shalan, broadcast live on the Nile International Channel.
The discussion took place in the context of several recent reports on the impact of technology on society. For example, a specialist in psychology mentioned that the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease increase with age. Another report highlighted Egypt's transformation into a regional data center, with 17 cables connecting the East to the West.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the impact of excessive use of electronic games and screens on children's health. In a related context, Dr. Tarek Abdel Malak stated that technological education links curricula to labor market needs.
Dr. Safaa El-Nagar, a researcher at Cairo University, noted that Egypt's soft power is not just about numbers but also about the language of the heart. She made these comments in the context of discussing Egypt's relations with Africa, which are not only geographical but also related to security and the future.
Key points
- Directed algorithms used by social media platforms can be a form of cognitive warfare aimed at influencing young people's thoughts and perceptions.
- Excessive use of social media platforms can lead to psychological pressures, decline in critical thinking skills, and social isolation.
- There is a need for an integrated partnership between families, schools, media, and government institutions to raise digital awareness and direct technology use towards positive paths.
