Threats to family stability are increasing: Sheikha Jawaher

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), highlighted the significance of the third Family Media Forum (FMF)'s proposals. She hoped that these recommendations would be implemented for the betterment of society, giving future generations an opportunity to defend themselves against any threats that could threaten them, their loved ones, and their neighbourhoods.

Because of the growing dangers that jeopardise families and people's ability to thrive. "The Family Media Forum (FMF) comes at a time when threats to family stability are increasing for a variety of reasons," Sheikha Jawaher said, adding that "this is especially true given the difficult challenges we receive through various media channels, which force generations to confront cultural, religious, social, and national challenges."

She continued, "With the advancement of this culture, artificial intelligence starts to pursue development projects that put people at the forefront of attention and interest in their thoughts and culture, their health and well-being, in their present and future; including, but not limited to, the fields of education, healthcare, and the use of virtual assistants in one's home or place of business.

But what will AI transform him into, and will his mental health problems be resolved?" Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi stated, "We are still debating digital media and its influence on family safety and values, which is a feasible and significant subject that demands exchanging perspectives and ideas in order to defend this entity) from perpetual collapse.

According to the report cited in the forum, 64 per cent of all divorces involving spouses under the age of 25 take place in Sharjah. Do we believe that AI will provide a remedy to this worsening condition, not only in Sharjah and the UAE but across the Arab world as a whole? The risks we confront are increasing as intelligence leads us towards an unexplored future. It appears that it will lead to enormous breakthroughs, and those advancements are beginning to emerge.

That is great if they help people, families, and communities, but will they also help to maintain moral standards? Will there be room for developing education, promoting healthy behaviours and a sense of belonging, loving and respecting one another despite our differences, honouring parents, respecting the elderly, caring for children, meeting the needs of young people for attention, and so on? Will it help achieve that goal? There is worry about the family's financial status if jobs are taken over by virtual characters operated by AI, and about the difficulty the breadwinner will experience in trying to provide a decent living for his children."

She added, "These are the questions of the future that we anticipate. In our culture, there are ideals whose beauty we still cherish, and we endeavour to nurture our children according to them. This pursuit will continue to face all the challenges facing us and the responsibilities of the family in particular.

We rely on responsible media influencers in raising awareness and investing their media presence for stability and achieving better psychological, social, and economic safety, and this is where the media's ‘digital and traditional’ means come into play: informing individuals, families, and society about everything new, and seeking support from professionals in leading the best methods to cope with artificial intelligence." "We thank the brothers and sisters who participated in the forum for their opinions and ideas that are characterised by responsibility towards society."

The voyage of intellectual and behavioural growth, through which successive generations may rid themselves, their families, and their communities of any potential threat, continues with you. We would like to extend our appreciation to the team behind this forum's development and success as well. We also anticipate that the suggestions will be put into action in a way that contributes to the greater good of society," H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed concluded.

During the second edition of the Child Safety Forum, organised by the Child Safety Department (CSD), Sheikha Jawaher said, “Family is the compass guiding Sharjah’s journey of development and the driving force that led us to provide the best social services with the child at the core of our programmes and initiatives."

WAM