Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Families Debated at Ehsan Center. DOHA, Qatar: The Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work and affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF),
Recently organized a highly engaging public debate titled “Digital Transformation & its Impact on Families.” The event, held in collaboration with QatarDebate, brought together multiple generations to discuss the influence of digitalization on family dynamics.
A Debate Bridging Generations
The event, attended by Minister of Social Development and Family H E Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and various officials and students, introduced a novel format by including participants from two distinct generations: senior women from the Ehsan Center and young women representing Qatar University.
This intergenerational dialogue added a unique dimension to the discussion, offering contrasting yet complementary perspectives on the impact of digital transformation on family relationships. The team of mothers from Ehsan shared their concerns about how digital technologies might strain family connections, expressing worries about the decline in face-to-face communication and quality time spent together.
On the other hand, the younger generation argued that, when used properly, technology can be a tool to strengthen family ties by enabling more frequent communication and virtual interactions, especially for families separated by distance.
Objectives of the Debate
The primary goal of the debate was to foster the development of critical thinking, public speaking skills, and argument-building among seniors. Such debates enable the elderly to remain actively engaged in community issues, demonstrating their valuable contributions to ongoing societal discussions.
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Furthermore, the debate aimed to raise public awareness about the broader effects of digital transformation on family structures and relationships, particularly in the context of Qatar rapid digitalization. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, debates like these are crucial to understanding how it influences traditional family values and communication patterns.
The event not only highlighted the importance of intergenerational dialogue but also helped bridge the gap between older and younger generations by creating a space for open, respectful exchange of ideas.
Ehsan Role in Empowering the Elderly
The Executive Director of Ehsan, Manal Al Mannai, emphasized the significance of this debate in promoting intellectual development among the elderly. She stated, “The debate, which is being held for the first time, is a great opportunity to enhance communication between generations. Ehsan believes that enhancing the intellectual skills of the elderly can make a big difference in how they deal with contemporary challenges.”
By providing platforms for seniors to engage in community dialogue, Ehsan aims to empower them with the tools to voice their thoughts, participate in public discourse, and contribute to solutions for societal challenges. The center sees such initiatives as part of its broader mission to ensure the integration of elderly individuals into mainstream society, helping them feel connected and respected in a rapidly changing world.
The Importance of Dialogue on Digital Transformation
Digital transformation has radically changed how people live, work, and communicate, often creating new opportunities but also presenting challenges. While technology can connect families across great distances, it can also disconnect them emotionally, as excessive screen time and virtual communication may replace in-person interactions.
This debate addressed these issues head-on, providing valuable insights into how technology can either help or hinder family unity. One of the key takeaways from the debate was that technology should be viewed as a tool rather than an obstacle.
While concerns about digital dependency and its potential negative effects on personal relationships are valid, it is equally important to recognize the ways in which digital tools can be leveraged to maintain and even strengthen family bonds.
Fostering Critical Thinking and Community Involvement
Through events like this debate, the Ehsan Center continues to fulfill its mission of empowering the elderly and ensuring their active participation in society.
The center places great emphasis on fostering mutual understanding between generations. In this context, the debate on digital transformation not only helped seniors to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills but also allowed them to express their perspectives on an issue that deeply impacts modern life.
Al Mannai further elaborated, “We are also committed to opening channels of dialogue between generations to enhance mutual understanding, and we hope that this event will be a step toward more activities that support seniors and enable them to express their opinions and ideas effectively.”
This sentiment echoes the broader goal of ensuring that the elderly are not left behind in discussions about modern technological shifts, but rather are active participants who help shape the future.
Conclusion
The Ehsan Center public debate on Digital Transformation & its Impact on Families represents an important step in fostering intergenerational dialogue, raising public awareness about the impact of digital technologies, and empowering seniors to take part in community issues.
By encouraging critical thinking and open conversation, the event provided a space for both young and elderly women to share their perspectives and contribute to a balanced, nuanced understanding of how digital transformation can affect family life.
As Qatar continues its journey toward a digitally connected future, it is essential to recognize the role of all members of society, especially the elderly, in shaping how new technologies will be used to enhance family relationships and maintain the core values that bind communities together.