Influencer Ghattas discusses power of data in realising goals

As an influencer, the Lebanese author with a PhD in breast cancer research has dedicated himself to spreading awareness not only on scientific research but also human behaviour, positive psychology, decision making, cultural diversity, poetry, philosophy, and art, using his accounts on Facebook and YouTube.

Dr Ghattas observed that people always think that they are not part of statistics or the “most people” category. It comes up when they are accosted with scientific studies such as smoking is harmful and have a 30 times probability of getting cancer or when they open a new business in a locale where 90% have met with failure. He pointed out that statistics should be a criteria while making decisions.

Secondly, data can answer the most important questions, the charismatic speaker observed. Taking his own example as a 41-year-old bachelor, he discussed data and surveys that studied if marriage made people happier. The answers have been yes and no, he pointed out presenting a graph where people’s happiness fell after the wedding day. Making expectations lower or trust between people and families higher was key to finding happiness and keeping society running smoothly, he said.

Next he presented data to show the fall in trust among people – as compared to 60% in 1960 or 43% in 1994, less than 5% of respondents found people trustworthy. “This is scary. How will you send your child to school?” he asked.

Another pertinent question from the thought leader was “how many people in your life will stand by you?” and giving data to prove the drastic fall even in Arab society which stands by collective values. He noted that it was an indicator of the loneliness in our lives, giving the particular example of the United Kingdom which has a Ministry of Loneliness to tackle the problem of social isolation. It is a bigger killer than smoking, obesity or air pollution, he explained with data.

As for learning, there is a stubborn myth that visual education is the right approach when auditory, reading or writing, or kinesthetics can work for different children. Data tells what works for us and it has the power to help us get closer to achievable targets, Dr Ghattas concluded.

Through an insightful session, Dr. Ghattas enabled his audience to explore the intersection of opinion, data, and decision-making in personal development, and look into ways data can be harnessed for enhancing self-awareness and making informed choices. 

The Regional Data and Community Development Forum (DCDF), organised by Sharjah’s Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD), is being held at the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on October 9 – 10. The two-day event marks a first for the region, as it brings together experts to highlight the power that data has in turning sustainable social development plans into tangible realities. The forum has brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, economists, business community members, and representatives from regional and global statistical data centres.