Social media should be used to ‘counter misinformation and raise awareness’

Social media experts told a Ramadan majlis in Sharjah this week that the likes of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat should be used to relay useful information to followers and dispel any misguided information or rumours.

SHARJAH // Social media should be used to instantly correct misinformation and quash rumours immediately, a Ramadan majlis was told.

Arab social media experts told the majlis in Sharjah this week that platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook should be used to pass on useful information.

Dr Anwar Al Hammadi, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, uses Snapchat and Instagram to communicate with his followers and patients, offering them second opinions and medical information.

“These days, misguided information and rumours spread online like wildfire and there needs to be a way to correct this information instantly,” Dr Al Hammadi said.

“By using these social platforms, experts can help the community by responding to this information in a fast and appealing way.

“Health is not about providing treatment alone, it’s about prevention and raising awareness. Doctors can use those powerful platforms to provide sound medical advice to anyone who is searching for it.”

Dr Al Hammadi said that people tended to search online for medical information anyway, but often what they found could be complex and inaccurate, leading to problems if they acted on it.

“I, as a professional, can help those looking for advice, or information on a specific topic,” he said.

“People can heed advice simply by watching a Snapchat video I post, or read a small piece I write on a particular topic on my Instagram account, in an appealing and modern way instead of old ways of handouts and leaflets.”

Hamad Al Shamsi, a UAE media activist, said that some entities use social media platforms to skew information for their own benefit.

“If there was no one to comment and correct this information, then that’s a big problem,” Mr Al Shamsi said. “We need officials and experts to respond and correct the information as fast as possible.”

He said he used social media to tackle societal and religious topics in a way that appealed to the masses.

Munther Al Muzki, the majlis moderator and an Emirati media figure, said that the UAE Government was the first to realise the immense potential of social media.

Mr Al Muzki said that nearly all of the UAE’s leaders and senior government figures were on social media and used it extensively.