Muscat – As digital technologies reshape every aspect of daily life, experts in technology, education and human development have stressed that digital awareness is no longer a personal choice but a national imperative, with direct implications for youth wellbeing, social cohesion and the future of society.
Specialists say the challenge today is not access to technology, but how it is used — warning that unbalanced digital engagement is increasingly affecting mental health, productivity and real-life social interaction among young people.
Technology expert Dr Saleh bin Obaid al Khaldi said the central issue facing youth is the shift from being passive digital consumers to becoming purposeful and productive users. “The real transformation begins with awareness, not tools,” he noted, urging young people to question the value technology adds to their knowledge, skills and professional growth.
Khaldi explained that positive digital behaviour starts with setting clear objectives, linking technology use to learning, skill development or career goals. “When screen time is tied to purpose, digital platforms move from spaces of consumption to tools for productivity, smart communication and innovation,” he said.
He added that encouraging young people to actively participate in the digital space — by producing meaningful content, contributing to knowledge communities or engaging in technical and voluntary initiatives — helps build responsibility, critical thinking and a sense of contribution. “The issue is not how long youth spend online, but the impact that time has on their awareness and development,” he said.
Human development and behavioural studies specialist Dr Abdulnasser al Saigh warned of what he described as growing “digital isolation”, where individuals remain socially detached despite extensive online networks. He cited global indicators showing average youth screen time has reached nearly nine hours a day, contributing to declining physical activity and rising levels of anxiety and stress.
Saigh stressed that the solution lies in balance, not rejection of technology. He called for educational and social strategies that revive meaningful real-life interaction, adding that Islamic values emphasise community engagement and positive social connection as foundations of psychological wellbeing.
Digital expert and programmer Ahmed bin Muslim al Mufraji described digital awareness as a core life skill, now as essential as traditional academic competencies. He said the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into education, employment and communication requires young people to be equipped to use such tools responsibly while remaining alert to ethical and cultural risks.
Mufraji cautioned that AI technologies may be misused in ways that conflict with societal values, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts by government institutions, educational bodies and families to promote ethical digital practices, strengthen critical thinking and develop reliable national platforms to verify digital content.
Experts agreed that technology should serve as a means to enhance life, not an end in itself. Responsible and balanced digital use, they concluded, is key to building a generation of resilient, aware and productive citizens — capable of navigating a digital future while remaining firmly rooted in real-world values and human connection.
