KARACHI:
Nowadays most people have smartphones and other electronic devices which they use to access different social media websites. Social media has improved communication between people, allowed constant access to information, and interaction with people across the world. Importantly, it has paved the way for new streams of income through freelance work, content creation, paid advertisements, etc. Across the country, many small/home businesses have benefited from marketing on social media. Individuals have been able to demonstrate and promote their talents through social media, which has allowed them to gain employment in different fields.
During the Covid pandemic, e-learning and online teaching became a new norm, which would have been impossible without the presence of digital technology and appropriate online platforms. Students were able to smoothly transition toward online learning. Also, different websites now offer free educational courses that help students enhance their knowledge and skills.
Unfortunately, however, not everyone benefits from social media in the same way, and it can have a detrimental impact on some. Today, many teenagers are constantly glued to their phones, which has had a poor impact on their educational outcomes. Depression, suicide, and anxiety have become commonplace as people compare themselves and their lives with others. Cyberbullying and harassment have also intensified because it is easy for people to hack others’ accounts and access their information to harm/maltreat individuals. To use social media, healthily, people should be able to log off/switch off devices when it tires or distresses them. They must partake in other activities that do not involve the use of electronic devices.
Marij Batool
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2022.
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