JEDDAH: The Effat College of Humanities in Jeddah recently concluded its highly anticipated first International Conference on the Humanities, themed “Digitalizing the Humanities: Contemporary Ethical Challenges.” The conference provided a platform for students, as well as local and international participants from varying backgrounds and specializations, to engage in multifaceted dialogue.  The discussions not only highlighted the ethical dilemmas posed by digitalization but also proposed pedagogical strategies to integrate digital literacy while preserving core educational values.  Dr. Linda Maloul, dean of the Effat College of Humanities, emphasized the college’s commitment to being at the forefront of digital transformation in the humanities. She said: “The ongoing digitalization of our world and the impact of technology on education have led to new and unprecedented ethical challenges. The college recognizes the need to bring together academics, professionals, and students to explore these challenges and find solutions in the areas of digital media and digital mental health. “The conference provided a unique opportunity for scholars, professionals, and students to delve into the ethical challenges posed by digitalization in the humanities. The insightful discussions and proposed strategies will contribute to the advancement of our society and the integration of technology while upholding our core educational values. “Effat College of Humanities aims to produce graduates who are not only innovative and ethical professionals in their respective fields but also advocate for the well-being and inclusivity of society. The discussions and insights shared during the conference will undoubtedly shape the future of digital humanities and contribute to the advancement of our society,” she added.  Dr. Stephen J. A. Ward, an internationally recognized media ethicist, philosopher, historian of ideas, and author of 11 books on media ethics and public philosophy, highlighted the importance of infusing human values and ethical considerations into the digital landscape. Throughout the conference, participants actively engaged in panel discussions and sessions that explored the ethical challenges and possibilities presented by technology and digital media.  The first session focused on the intersection between technology and mental health, delving into the potential benefits, challenges, and ethical dilemmas in this realm. The second session featured various presentations on topics such as the portrayal of psychopaths in films, the reflection of values in American satirical TV shows, and the values conveyed in foreign cartoon movies dubbed in Arabic. The third session shed light on the ethical complexities arising from the digitalization of the humanities.  Experts spoke on topics such as the influence of digital media on privacy, the optimization of ethics in language arts education, the impact of the digital world on ethics and education in developing countries, and contemporary ethical issues in digital humanities.