The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Dr Ikramullah

Bajaur: Our everyday lives now heavily depend on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and many others. 

These forums provide social networks, awareness, information, and educational opportunities, but they also have a darker side, especially evident in regions like the Tribal belt of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which often goes unreported and has significant negative effects.

As of January 2024, Pakistan boasted 71.70 million social media users, representing 29.5 percent of the total population. With 188.9 million active mobile phone connections, equivalent to 77.8 percent of the country’s population, the influence of social media is undeniable.

One prevalent issue is the phenomenon of individuals presenting themselves as experts across diverse fields, from economics to sports, often without substantial knowledge.

This pseudo-intellectualism leads to misinformation and superficial understanding, exacerbated by social media algorithms that reinforce echo chambers.

Moreover, the portrayal of a luxurious lifestyle through posts on meals, vacations, and purchases can create false perceptions of prosperity. This disparity can fuel desires among less privileged individuals, potentially leading to criminal activities.

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A troubling trend is the rise of self-proclaimed social workers who exploit photos of ill or impoverished individuals to solicit donations, often more for personal gain and social standing than genuine altruism.

This can disillusion donors and discourage genuine charitable efforts.

Furthermore, the culture of sharing jokes and memes often descends into disrespectful and offensive content, perpetuating divisiveness rather than meaningful discourse. Hate speech against political and religious figures further exacerbates tensions, undermining social cohesion and respectful dialogue.

In conclusion, amidst numerous local challenges, social media could serve as a catalyst for positive change. Focusing on local issues such as resource management, conflict resolution, youth engagement, counterterrorism measures, and tourism promotion can foster more productive and relevant discussions.

While acknowledging the advantages of social media, it is crucial to address its abuses. Pseudo-intellectualism, oversharing, privileged portrayals, performative activism, inappropriate content, and hate speech all contribute to mental health issues and hinder genuine social interactions. 

Users must prioritize responsible and balanced usage, emphasizing real connections and meaningful content.

The writer is a government servant in KP’s Tribal Region, serving in a capacity that likely involves administration or governance within the region.