Muscat: Represented by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the Sultanate of Oman is set to host the "4th International Conference on the Present and Future of Communication, Media, and the AI Revolution."
The inaugural ceremony of the event was conducted under the esteemed patronage of Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, the Minister of Information.
This three-day conference will delve into over 60 scholarly papers, exploring the philosophical frameworks of artificial intelligence's applications within the realms of communication and media.
The discussions will encompass practical applications of artificial intelligence in the communication and media sectors, both within the Arab region and globally. Additionally, the conference will address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the context of communication and media, including the role of media education, training programs, and the future evolution of the media industry.
Dr. Abdullah highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across various aspects of life, particularly in innovative fields and content creation. He emphasized that while artificial intelligence is poised to bring about significant changes, some of which are positive, others may present challenges, such as the evolution of media jobs, the production of media content, and the risks associated with misinformation through media channels.
Regarding the positive implications, Dr. Abdullah noted that artificial intelligence could create new employment opportunities and enable media institutions to better understand audience trends by leveraging AI technologies to analyze vast amounts of data in the development of media content.
Furthermore, he highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence in customizing media content for individual users, tailoring media content to align with the unique aspirations of each individual.
In a press statement, Dr. Abdullah underscored the significance of the conference in relation to two pivotal events: the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the broadcasting of Oman TV, which commenced on November 17, 1974, and the enactment of the Oman Media Law, which governs media activities and ensures a balance between the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities of media personnel and institutions.
Dr. Abdullah Khamis Al Kindi, the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference, has stated that several reports and studies suggest an anticipated increase in the market volume for AI applications within the media sector. He further noted that there is evidence indicating that AI algorithms will be utilized to allocate content to approximately 80% of social media users. Additionally, it is projected that around 70% of global media organizations are actively pursuing strategies to enhance their reliance on AI applications for analyzing audience interactions on social media platforms, with the aim of improving content production efficiency by over 50%.
The conference aims to amplify research efforts focused on media and communication within the context of the AI revolution. It also seeks to delve into the future of media and communication, examining its challenges and opportunities.
