Social media is a dimension that exists to produce, market and sell. In a country like Pakistan, where so many are entrapped in a poverty cycle, social media is a mechanism that enforces this cycle. Creators and influencers create user-generated content, sampling products and helping brands market to their audiences. Influencer culture has created a misperception that an ordinary person lives an extravagant lifestyle, buys ridiculously expensive products and wears a new outfit every day. Those not accustomed to such consumption behaviours believe that they are behind their counterparts in success and wealth, desiring to buy what these influencers market, all the while falling victim to marketing tactics.
The audience needs to realise that not every product is important and that everyone is on their own path in life. With most people struggling to pay rent, influencers should be mindful of the grandeur they wish to sell to others and limit their marketing to brands that they truly believe are worth it.
Mahrukh Khalid
Lahore
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While social media has connected us, it is silently damaging the mental health of Pakistan’s youth. We spend hours scrolling, comparing our real lives to the filtered perfection we see online. This is creating a new crisis of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem among young people. Cyberbullying is another major threat, which leads to isolation and even suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, endless scrolling has reduced our sleep, focus and productivity in studies.
We cannot ban social media, but we must use it wisely. Schools and colleges should introduce digital wellness programmes to teach healthy usage and parents need to talk to children about online safety. The government and platforms must also take responsibility by removing harmful content and promoting mental health resources.
Shaymaan Azeem Mughal
Rawalpindi
