KARACHI:
Social media platforms have revolutionised the way we connect with people and consume information. Social media influences all individuals’ behaviours and thoughts, which is concerning. Excessive exposure to carefully curated unrealistic representations on these platforms significantly affects mental and emotional well-being, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. We must promote digital literacy and advocate for responsible social media usage to safeguard mental health.
Misinformation and fake news thrive on social media platforms, misleading individuals of all ages and undermining critical thinking. This has far-reaching consequences for societal cohesion, public discourse, and democratic processes. We must address this issue through media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible journalism. The impact of social media on younger generations is particularly concerning as they are vulnerable to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online groomers. Social media platforms should implement robust measures to protect young users and provide comprehensive digital citizenship education for their safety.
Moreover, the addictive nature of social media affects people of all ages resulting in decreased productivity and neglecting real-life interactions. Social media platforms must foster a healthy relationship with technology and develop tools that encourage mindful usage. Recognising and addressing the impact of social media is essential to create a more informed, digitally literate, and mentally resilient society. Public forums should be organised to initiate discussions involving experts, policymakers, educators, and citizens over the healthy usage of social media. We must strive to achieve an informed and engaged community that actively tackles the challenges posed by social media to create a more balanced and healthier digital environment.
Unza Shoaib
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2023.
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