“The Young Parliamentarian 8” Discusses the Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion and Creating Social Influence
The Youth Pioneer Society organized the second discussion session within the eighth edition of the Young Parliamentarian Program, titled “Media and Public Opinion.” The session featured a distinguished panel of media specialists, including Ms. Eman Marhoon, Dr. Lulwa Boodlamah, and Ms. Samah Allam, alongside a group of youth participants in the program.
The event came as part of the program’s continuous efforts to raise awareness about the role of media in shaping thought and guiding decision-making, as well as to highlight the reciprocal relationship between media and the public — and how this relationship directly impacts the formation of public opinion and societal orientations, particularly amid rapid digital transformations.
Speakers discussed the concept of the “soft power” of public opinion and the media’s role in creating influence by selecting and spotlighting issues. They also analyzed the phenomenon of the “trend” and how it has become an influential tool in shaping audience directions and controlling public awareness.
They emphasized that the trend is no longer just a temporary digital occurrence, but rather a powerful means of directing public opinion and unifying stances toward specific issues.
The discussion also touched on the role of influencers in the digital community and how their presence has evolved into a force capable of shaping public opinion. Speakers stressed the importance of employing this influence to promote awareness and positive values, while avoiding behaviors that foster chaos or misinformation.
Participants further noted that audiences today have become an integral part of content and opinion shaping through their interactions, engagement, and collective participation on various platforms.
The session concluded with several recommendations, most notably the need to enhance media literacy and critical awareness among youth, encourage them to adopt responsible media initiatives that serve societal causes, and uphold professional and ethical values in media practices. These efforts collectively contribute to building a mature and conscious public opinion that reflects the true image and positive identity of Bahraini society.
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