The Power and Responsibility of Media in Shaping Society | Mohammad Sideeq Shams | TEDxShar e Naw

Quick Overview

Mohammad Sideeq Shams argues that media, especially television series, possesses immense power to shape society, referencing his own experience of being forced to work in a dual capacity—as a journalist and a media person in Afghanistan—which instilled in him the importance of responsible media practice, noting that while many admire figures like Dmir, they fail to recognize the true effort and sacrifice behind their success.

Key Points: Shams asserts that media, particularly television series, holds significant power to mold societal perceptions and values. He recounts his personal experience working in Afghanistan under dual roles: as a journalist and a media professional, highlighting the challenges faced. He mentions that certain prominent figures, like an individual named Dmir (likely referring to a known figure), are admired, but the public often overlooks the intense hard work underpinning their success. Shams emphasizes the difficulty of navigating media landscapes, citing his own forced migration from Afghanistan to Turkey and the subsequent challenges faced while working in media there. He points out that many people fail to recognize the responsibility that comes with media influence, leading to superficial admiration without understanding the depth of the work. Shams concludes by stressing the need for individuals to recognize the sacrifices and complexities involved in creating impactful media content, urging for a deeper appreciation beyond surface-level recognition.

Context: Mohammad Sideeq Shams delivers a TEDx talk focusing on the profound influence of media on society, drawing heavily on his personal history as a journalist and media worker who experienced political upheaval, including being forced to leave Afghanistan and later working in exile in Turkey. He contrasts the public's superficial admiration of media personalities with the difficult realities and sacrifices required to produce influential content, urging the audience to recognize the responsibility inherent in media creation.