The Department of Public Relations at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad, organized a scientific and awareness seminar on social media algorithms under the slogan “Think Before You Engage.”
The event was held as part of the graduation projects for fourth-year students, supervised by Prof. Dr. Ali Jabbar Al-Shammari, Prof. Dr. Jafar Shaheed, Assistant Professor Dr. Ria Qahtan, and Lecturer Dr. Ayoun Saad.
The seminar discussed how digital algorithms operate and the importance of raising youth awareness on how to interact with them, ensuring positive engagement that serves society and contributes to its development, while avoiding negative content that undermines social values and principles.
The event featured student research presentations. Student Maryam Thamer presented a paper on the importance of engaging with positive content, while student Ahmed Basim addressed the risks of certain digital posts. The seminar was moderated by student Yaqeen Taleb and attended by faculty members and students.
Speakers explained that social media algorithms amplify content based on engagement levels—such as likes, comments, shares, or views—warning against interacting with posts that spread rumors, misinformation, or content that may threaten national security or distort societal values.
The outcomes of the seminar align with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by enhancing digital awareness among Iraqi youth and equipping them with critical analytical skills to build a safer and more informed knowledge-based society.
