By: Owais Fayaz
Societies have always been shaped more by the nature of the media through which people communicate than by the content of the communication. Social media is becoming increasingly popular among the youth in Pakistan. In Pakistan, social media is used for five main purposes: breaking stories ignored by news agencies, gathering people for public protests and campaigns, highlighting issues related to humanity worldwide, campaigning for social causes, and bridging the gap between citizens and the government. Social media are computer-mediated tools that allow people to create, share, or exchange information, ideas, and pictures/videos in implicit communities and networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, among others. People from different domains use it to achieve their desired results by creating propaganda. First, they create an issue, then propagate it through social media to achieve their desired results. My primary focus will be on proposing feasible solutions to reduce these challenges and harness the potential of social media for positive social change and community development in our region.
Youth in Pakistan are using social media extensively, which has resulted in a number of issues that are significantly affecting several facets of their lives. The degradation of mental health is one of the biggest problems, since the constant onslaught of carefully chosen and edited content on social media can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy. A culture of rivalry and superiority has been fostered by the pressure to project a flawless online persona and the fear of missing out, which has made people feel forced to compare their lives to those of others all the time. Young Pakistanis are experiencing an increase in incidents of depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health problems as a result of this. Also, the ease with which misinformation and disinformation can be spread on social media has led to the proliferation of fake news, which can have serious consequences, including the manipulation of public opinion and the incitement of violence. The youth of Pakistan are also vulnerable to cyberbullying, online harassment, and exploitation, which can have devastating effects on their emotional well-being and sense of security. Additionally, the excessive use of social media has been linked to a decline in face-to-face communication skills, deepening the sense of isolation and loneliness among young people. The lack of digital literacy and critical thinking skills among Pakistani youth also makes them susceptible to online scams, phishing, and other forms of cybercrime. Perhaps most alarmingly, social media has become a platform for extremist ideologies and hate speech, which can radicalize and mobilize young people towards violent and destructive causes. As a result, it is essential to address these challenges and develop strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on the youth of Pakistan, while harnessing its potential for positive social change and community development.
To address the challenges arising from the extensive use of social media among the youth in Pakistan, a comprehensive set of solutions spanning from micro to macro levels is essential. At the micro-level, initiatives such as implementing digital literacy programs in schools and universities can equip young individuals with the skills to critically evaluate online content, identify misinformation, and safeguard themselves from cyber threats. Additionally, establishing mental health support services tailored to address the psychological impact of social media can provide guidance on managing anxiety, building self-esteem, and coping with online pressures. Moving to the meso-level, community engagement through workshops and seminars can promote responsible social media usage, foster digital citizenship, and create a support network for youth facing online challenges. Advocating for a regulatory framework to govern social media platforms can combat the spread of fake news, cyberbullying, and extremist content, ensuring online safety for users. At the macro-level, launching national awareness campaigns to educate the public on digital hygiene, online privacy, and the importance of verifying information can help mitigate the negative impacts of social media. Collaborating with government agencies to formulate policies that promote responsible social media practices, regulate online content, and support digital literacy in educational curricula is crucial. By integrating these solutions at various levels, it is possible to empower young people in Pakistan to navigate the digital landscape safely, foster critical thinking and resilience, and harness the positive potential of social media for societal development and well-being.
The implementation of these solutions will require a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and social media platforms. A phased rollout approach can be adopted, starting with trials in select regions and gradually scaling up to a national level. To ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives, a monitoring and evaluation framework will be established to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. Furthermore, a dedicated task force comprising representatives from relevant stakeholders will be formed to oversee the implementation process, provide technical assistance, and facilitate knowledge sharing. By working together and adopting a multi-pronged approach, we can create a safer, more responsible, and empowering online environment for the youth of Pakistan, ultimately contributing to the country’s social, economic, and cultural development.
The writer is a student of International Relations. He can be reached at [email protected]
