Across history, intellectual and philosophical ideas have shaped social, political and economic movements, setting the foundation for systems and values that still influence human interactions. Societies in the East and West have often followed these frameworks, defining paths that have brought about social and moral transformations.
Notable thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Karl Marx, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Muhammad Abduh each, despite ideological differences, inspired significant change in their societies.
However, with the rise of social media in the 21st century, especially in the Arab world, there has been a shift away from deep intellectual engagement. Profound sources like books and academic journals have been overshadowed by fast, shallow digital content. This shift has led to a superficial grasp of complex ideas, and social media often takes philosophical statements out of context, leading to a distortion of meanings.
The world is at a pivotal juncture where new values and ethics are emerging with limited intellectual or cultural grounding. Social media, lacking deep cultural guidance, is largely directing these new norms and shaping perspectives on values and ethics.
In contrast, the 1990s was the last decade rooted in significant intellectual discussions, regardless of the controversies surrounding them. Concepts like the end of history, post-modernism and globalisation influenced society and fostered political and social transformations.
After the September 11 events, however, the Arab world saw its intellectual discourse falter. The invasion of Iraq further amplified discontent, leaving the region grappling with a sense of ongoing defeat.
This wave of disillusionment carried over to the 2011 events, often referred to as the 'Arab Spring.' Yet, this period lacked a solid intellectual foundation, leading instead to widespread chaos, where social media largely monopolised the narrative, reshaping cultural values and often disconnecting them from Arab and Islamic heritage.
This absence of a coherent Arab intellectual discourse is evident in contemporary issues, from internal societal shifts to the collective response to external conflicts. Today, the Arab world needs to move past this 'decade of discontent' toward an era focused on intellectual and cultural growth.
A meaningful cultural discourse is essential to challenge the superficial values presented by social media, which often overshadows and simplifies complex societal achievements.
I specifically urge Omani intellectuals and thought leaders to take an active role in fostering a well-rounded cultural narrative that aligns with societal growth. This new discourse should go beyond the often-critical tone of social media and place current achievements in the proper context, celebrating progress while guiding the future.
(Translated by Badr al Dhafari. The original version of this article was published in the print edition of Oman Arabic newspaper on November 3.)
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