In an era where social media binds people across continents, Pakistan’s youth finds itself paradoxically adrift — digitally connected yet emotionally distant. While platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram bridge distant worlds, they increasingly sever the ties that hold families together, profoundly reshaping the country’s social fabric.
A study from the International Islamic University Islamabad reveals startling realities: 94% of the youth admitted that excessive use of social networking sites (SNS) negatively affects family relations. Nearly 71% reported feeling emotionally isolated from their families due to prolonged screen time. These statistics highlight a concerning trend-the more connected our devices make us, the more isolated we become from those closest to us.
A Shift in Priorities
Undeniably, social media pervades Pakistan. More than 30 million people are online every day and 9 million Facebook active users. The lure of quick connections often replaces the world. It was observed that 80% of respondents spent more time talking to their online friends than they spent talking to their families. Many of the dinner tables in homes have turned into battlegrounds for meaningful conversation against the addictive glow of the smartphone screen.
This change can be witnessed in entertainment behaviours as well. Although 88% of the young generation agreed they “sometimes” talk with family, only 8.6% always made it a point to do so. Contrarily, 80.6% admitted that they spent their free time browsing SNS. The outcome is a generation less emotionally attached to their families, deprived of the invaluable warmth of human touch.
The Psychological Consequences
The emotional consequences of excessive social media usage are staggering. More than 69% of young people reported increased loneliness, while 88.6% acknowledged feeling emotional disturbances related to their screen use. These numbers paint a bleak picture of a generation yearning for genuine connection but trapped in the shallowness of likes, shares, and retweets.
This growing reliance on digital media also impacts personal growth. Most respondents admitted to not being productive, distracted, and disengaged from school and other real-world affairs. Over 61% of respondents admitted to relying too much on electronic mediums; the boundary between online and offline life is still dissolving.
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The Erosion of Cultural Values
Pakistan’s rich traditions of familial bonding and collective celebrations are being eroded by the relentless intrusion of social media. Family gatherings, once a cornerstone of Pakistani culture, are now interrupted by buzzing notifications. Parents, often unfamiliar with their children’s digital lives, struggle to bridge the growing generational gap. In fact, over 71% of respondents admitted to being “least concerned” with family matters, a sobering testament to the erosion of traditional values.
Finding the Balance
The digital age is here to stay. However, its consequences deserve attention. Parents and teachers need to create digital literacy and encourage responsible use of technology. By setting boundaries, encouraging face-to-face communication, and nurturing hobbies off the computer, we can help the youth regain emotional balance.
Ultimately, reconnecting with family doesn’t require abandoning technology but learning to coexist with it. The power to reverse this cycle lies in realising that while the internet can connect us to the world, it is the bonds we nurture offline that truly define who we are.
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