Background and Objectives

New media technologies, including social media platforms and messaging apps, have revolutionized global communication by enabling people worldwide to interact and share information. The reach and scope of communication have drastically expanded through platforms like Facebook and Twitter, facilitating real-time communication and information exchange. These technologies have not only strengthened personal connections but also played a pivotal role in disseminating global news and information.

Beyond the surface-level representation of information, new media communication extends its reach to craft narratives and compelling stories with profound impacts. This transformative power is exemplified by influential social media movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, which amplify voices challenging societal norms. Additionally, online activism employs platforms such as blogs and forums to advocate for environmental initiatives and human rights. In the context of virtual reality, experiences like Clouds Over Sidra foster empathy across cultures. Furthermore, global collaborations facilitated by platforms like Google Meet and Zoom, coupled with e-learning initiatives such as Coursera and Khan Academy, underscore the significant role of media communications in cultivating narratives that resonate globally.

Conversely, the potential for interactive engagement and impactful change through various new media communicative tools is accompanied by challenges. Controversial occurrences emerge, such as the spread of conspiracy theories, exemplified by the false association of COVID-19 with 5G-chip vaccines. Visual narratives, including deepfakes manipulating images or videos to alter the speeches of public figures, intensify the complexity and contribute to political turmoil and social unrest. Sensational posts on social media, involving issues like political polarization, religious tensions, online bullying, and targeted harassment, further amplify conflicts. Despite the intended open dialogue, the (un)intentional shaping of narratives occurs through misunderstandings and the spread of misinformation.

Within this dynamic digital context, where governments, institutions, news organizations, NGOs, businesses, and individuals act as storytellers, the narratives they create can either contribute to global harmony or fuel conflicts. The sharing of experiences in global communication, whether institutional or personal, becomes a form of storytelling that influences perceptions on a global scale. Exploring this field requires a delicate balance between free expression and responsible engagement, demanding vigilance, critical thinking, and collaborative efforts to address the negative consequences of these powerful narratives.

This international conference seeks to explore the complexities of new media communications. In doing so, it aspires to contribute to a more refined and harmonious global dialogue. By promoting ethical storytelling and diverse perspectives, the conference aims to responsibly leverage the transformative power of narratives to enhance societal well-being and mitigate conflicts.