The incorporation of digital technology in education represents a substantial transformation in the realm of academia. In the present day, with new technology being readily available to both educators and students, educational institutions encourage their students to embrace it, enabling students facing geographical constraints to easily continue their education through internet-based learning. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the viewpoints of undergraduate students in the field of mass communication concerning the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the UAE. Based on a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the data were gathered using structured questionnaires. Results revealed that knowledge sharing and accessibility are significant factors affecting the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness among the undergraduate students. Further, perceived ease of use significantly affects perceived usefulness. Finally, both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness remained as significant factors regarding ICT acceptance among the Emirati students. It is concluded that educational institutions must invest significantly in robust IT infrastructure. This step ensures that e-learning experiences are seamless and accessible to all students. Further, to address some students’ connectivity challenges, offering alternative access options or providing offline resources can be beneficial. Finally, the practical implications and limitations are discussed.

Misinformation remained a critical consideration during the COVID-19 that further cultivated fears leading to strong unrest among the public globally. This study clarifies certain misconceptions related to the pandemic by investigating whether factors such as altruism, entertainment, information-sharing, information-seeking, comprehensibility have impact on COVID-19 misinformation acceptance and sharing it in the UAE culture, with gender as a moderating factor. An online survey (google.com) was used, with a sample of 200 university students, and analyzed using PLS-SEM software to determine the effects of constructed factors. The findings indicated that entertainment, information-sharing, and information-seeking factors have impact on sharing COVID-19 misinformation, while comprehensibility has impact on acceptance of misinformation. Interestingly, gender was found to have no impact on all the constructed factors, suggesting that other moderating factors (e.g., age) need to be considered in future research. Generally, online users need to learn how to verify online information that they receive/share on other social media, especially regarding health concern.

Countering cyber extremism is a crucial challenge in the digital age. Social media algorithms, if designed and used properly, have the potential to be a powerful tool in this fight, development of technological solutions that can make social networks a safer and healthier space for all users. this study mainly aims to provide a comprehensive view of the role played by the algorithms of social networking sites in countering electronic extremism, and clarifying the expected ease of use by programmers in limiting the dissemination of extremist data. Additionally, to analyzing the intended benefit in controlling and organizing digital content for users from all societal groups. Through the systematic review tool, a variety of previous literature related to the applications of algorithms in the field of online radicalization reduction was evaluated. Algorithms use machine learning and analysis of text and images to detect content that may be harmful, hateful, or call for violence. Posts, comments, photos and videos are analyzed to detect any signs of extremism. Algorithms also contribute to enhancing content that promotes positive values, tolerance and understanding between individuals, which reduces the impact of extremist content. Algorithms are also constantly updated to be able to discover new methods used by extremists to spread their ideas and avoid detection. The results indicate that it is possible to make the most of these algorithms and use them to enhance electronic security and reduce digital threats.

This study examines how United Arab Emirates (UAE) national newspapers reported on sustainable development goals (SDGs) following the country’s announcement that it would host COP28 climate change summit in 2023. We analyzed the content of a systematic random sample of news articles published in leading Arabic and English language newspapers over a one-year period. Results indicate that sustainable development issues, particularly related to the environment and economy, were covered widely and mostly positively, and were framed in the context of achievements rather than challenges. We also observed significant differences in SDG reporting between the two newspapers selected for our study. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.