Participants in the workshop “Youth, Media, and Scientific Research: How is Artificial Intelligence Changing the Landscape?”, organized by the TRENDS Youth Council via the TRENDS virtual office in Egypt, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between using artificial intelligence (AI) as a supportive tool to enhance media creativity and research, and relying on it as a substitute for human intellect. Overreliance, they noted, could turn youth into consumers of superficial or misleading content. They highlighted that the challenge does not lie in AI’s development itself, but in the ability of young people to use it consciously and responsibly, treating it as a tool to support their thinking and creativity.

The discussion took place at the UAE Journalists Association pavilion as part of the second edition of the Arab Youth Media Creativity Summit in Alamein, Egypt, organized by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Arab League and the Egyptian Cabinet.

Promising Horizons for Innovation

The workshop, moderated by broadcaster Hadeer Sabry, and attended by a wide range of academics and media professionals, opened with remarks by Elyazia Al-Hosani, researcher, Deputy Head of the Media Sector, and Advisory Council member of the TRENDS Youth Council. She stated that scientific research today is entering a new phase led by AI, which is no longer merely a supportive tool but has become a key partner in knowledge production and the development of sciences. AI significantly accelerates scientific discoveries and big data analysis, opening promising horizons for innovations previously unimaginable.

She emphasized that AI technologies provide young researchers with unprecedented opportunities to develop innovative methodologies, build new hypotheses, and test more effective solutions. She also noted that media now relies on AI to monitor and analyze trends, highlighting the increasingly intertwined future of media and scientific research, with technology as the essential link between them.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Saqer Al-Suwaidi, researcher, official spokesperson of TRENDS, and Advisory Council member of the TRENDS Youth Council, explained that generative AI has brought major transformations to knowledge production and media creation. AI enables young media professionals to save time in text editing, and the production of images and videos.

He added that AI in scientific research provides a multiplier value for researchers, helping them explore thousands of studies in minutes and suggesting new research paths. However, it cannot replace critical thinking. The researcher remains the leader, and AI serves as a supportive tool. If AI is treated as a substitute for human intellect, youth may become mere consumers of repetitive and superficial content.

Transformations in Digital Media

Dr. Engy Lotfy, lecturer at the Department of Media at Helwan University, stated that AI has caused a qualitative shift in digital media, participating in news writing, report summarization, and big data analysis in journalism. It also enhances viewing experiences through smart recommendations on TV and produces voices and programs for radio and podcasts.

However, these transformations carry risks, such as threats to certain jobs and overreliance on automated content. Additionally, the rise of misleading news and deepfakes highlights the critical role of youth, who are highly active on digital platforms. Their responsibility extends beyond verifying content before publication to using AI tools to build digital awareness and promote more credible media.

Empowering Young Minds

Alanood Al-Hosani, researcher and Chairperson of the TRENDS Youth Council, noted that AI has become an effective tool to empower youth by helping them create richer media content, accelerate data analysis, and generate insights that enhance creative thinking. This aligns with the Council’s mission to enable young minds to contribute to the production and exchange of knowledge using innovative tools.

She explained that the Council works to promote digital literacy and raise awareness of AI risks by creating spaces for dialogue, training, and guidance, teaching youth how to apply AI responsibly, and developing skills for using technology in ways that serve personal and societal growth.

Inspiring Youth Experiences

Saif Al-Nuaimi, researcher and member of the TRENDS Youth Council, shared inspiring youth experiences in responsibly using AI in media development. Many young people have launched digital platforms employing AI tools for faster and more accurate news editing, relying on automated verification technologies to enhance credibility and reduce the spread of false information.

He also mentioned that TRENDS’ Global Barometer incorporates AI in big data analysis to extract social and economic patterns from millions of open datasets, contributing to the production of rigorous scientific papers. Additionally, the TRENDS Youth Council developed the smart robot “Echo”, which combines technology and knowledge to provide interactive and educational information to youth in a simple and engaging manner.

Exploring Collaboration

In parallel, the TRENDS Youth Council delegation participating in the Arab Youth Media Creativity Summit explored avenues for research, scientific, and knowledge partnerships with several academic and intellectual institutions. The delegation met with Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Egyptian Minister of Culture, who praised TRENDS’ efforts in promoting culture and knowledge at regional and international levels.

The delegation also met with Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, to discuss strengthening research and academic partnerships supporting science and knowledge. He emphasized that TRENDS’ global research vision makes it a model in supporting scientific research and purposeful knowledge.