Muscat – As digital platforms increasingly shape public opinion alongside traditional media, experts have stressed that integrity, objectivity and honesty are no longer optional virtues but essential safeguards of public trust. Responsible and informed engagement with societal issues, they say, plays a decisive role in narrowing gaps, countering misinformation and supporting constructive solutions at a time when the influence of words has never been greater.
Against this backdrop, the recent emphasis by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, during his meeting with the Chairman and members of the State Council Office, on the importance of engaging thoughtfully with societal issues and existing challenges, and delivering accurate and appropriate messages through media and digital platforms, reflects a clear national approach. This approach is rooted in promoting transparency, strengthening effective communication, and clarifying the efforts undertaken and achievements realised – reinforcing balanced and credible public discourse.
Specialists noted that adherence to these principles in media and digital engagement has become increasingly vital, particularly given the multiple avenues the digital space offers for the spread of irresponsible narratives, misinformation and distorted facts. The speed and reach of social media, they noted, can either support constructive dialogue or fuel confusion if not handled with care and accountability.
Dr Sabira bint Saif al Harasi, an academic and educational researcher, said that engagement with media and social networking platforms is no longer a purely individual matter. The impact of words today, she explained, extends far beyond their author, shaping public opinion, influencing social stability and reshaping collective consciousness. Every digital interaction – however minor it may appear – contributes to content dissemination, consciously or unconsciously expanding its reach within society.
She noted that content does not operate in isolation but moves within a social and cultural environment shaped by cumulative posts, patterns of interaction and levels of public awareness. Responsibility, therefore, becomes collective rather than individual. Repeated personal behaviour, she said, gradually evolves into a broader phenomenon, and the accumulation of such phenomena ultimately reshapes public discourse.
Sabira stressed the need for shared standards governing digital engagement – standards that strike a balance between freedom of expression and the protection of societal values. Such frameworks, she added, cannot be imposed through individual decisions alone, but must emerge from cultural and institutional consensus, establishing responsible behaviour as a social norm rather than a personal option.
She also highlighted the fact that social media has become an open arena where opinions often intertwine with facts, and where influence can sometimes precede truth. Rumours and misinformation, she warned, frequently spread faster than official clarifications, confusing public opinion and shaping debate before the full picture emerges – particularly given the limited critical verification skills among sections of users.
Researcher Rashid bin Abdullah al Shaidhani said responsible communication strengthens trust, reduces the gap between government and society, and limits the spread of inaccurate information. This, he explained, enhances social cohesion and stability, promotes a culture of dialogue and respect for differing views, and reinforces national unity.
He added that public awareness remains the cornerstone of societal stability. When citizens engage responsibly with community issues, they help convey accurate messages to relevant authorities without noise or distortion, increasing opportunities for meaningful participation in national decision-making and contributing to sustainable development.
From a digital media perspective, Dr Ahmed Murad, a social media influencer, observed that irresponsible handling of issues often stems from rushed commentary before facts are complete, or from presenting matters through a single lens in pursuit of immediacy. He stressed that professional and ethical responsibility requires verifying information from official sources and considering all perspectives before expressing opinions.
“The true value lies not in being the first to speak, but in being the most accurate, aware and influential,” he said, warning that credibility is undermined when crises are exaggerated to generate engagement or controversy.
From a legal standpoint, lawyer Hamoud bin Abdullah al Makhini explained that Oman’s Basic Law of the State guarantees freedom of opinion and expression – explicitly within the limits of the law. This, he said, reflects a legislative philosophy that balances freedom with responsibility, safeguarding public order, national security, individual dignity and privacy.
He emphasised that Omani law does not oppose the “voice of society”, but rather protects it when exercised responsibly, without misinformation, defamation or violations of privacy. Maintaining this balance, he added, ensures that the digital space remains vibrant and influential without descending into chaos or abuse.
Experts concluded that fostering a culture of responsible engagement across media and social platforms is fundamental to building a well-informed and cohesive society – one capable of managing dialogue and disagreement constructively, and ensuring that the power of words remains a force for understanding and progress, not division or disruption.
