Social media has provided us with a tremendous platform to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the world without any barriers. It is a medium of expression that has shattered many traditional constraints. Now, there is no need for a platform or an editor to voice our opinions. This newfound freedom is crucial, yet unfortunately, most of us have not learned how to wield this power wisely.

We’ve surrendered our emotions, feelings, and personal aspects of life to social media. Instead of enhancing our identities, we have fragmented them. When we receive information, we often react immediately and without verification. Whether our responses are positive or negative, we tend to make decisions driven by raw emotion. When the truth eventually emerges, our position and behaviour can undermine our credibility and weaken our dignity.

Moreover, engaging in debates on social media has led us to waste valuable time and mental peace. Minor disagreements transform into matters of ego, and we often set aside self-respect when disagreeing with others. Social media has become a battleground, where, in our desire to win, we end up losing.

However, there is another, perhaps more dangerous aspect to this scenario.

Social media not only exposes rational and sensible individuals to emotional volatility but also gives a platform to those who are already infamous for deceit, fraud, and social manipulation. These individuals craft a facade of dignity and allure on social media that makes many people vulnerable and gullible.

These fraudsters gain the trust of innocent individuals for their interests, exploiting them and causing financial, emotional, and social harm repeatedly.

It is at this point that understanding the difference between “virtual engagement” and “real engagement” on social media becomes extremely vital. Conversations, likes, comments, and messages on a screen cannot replace genuine relationships. The connections formed through them often end up being deceptive and misleading. Even more sadly, the misuse of social media has been fostering crimes like harassment and blackmail. People exploit others’ private pictures and information, threatening and blackmailing them for financial or emotional gain. Mobile fraud, account hacking, and deceit through fake identities have become commonplace. Numerous incidents occur around us where individuals become victims just because they mistook a social media connection for a real relationship.

It is our collective responsibility to understand these dangerous aspects of social media. The platform itself is not harmful; rather, its misuse creates problems. We must refine our behaviours and adopt seriousness, research, and patience in our social media usage.

Basic principles we should all adopt:

Do not share any information without verification.
Think carefully before speaking in support of or against someone.
Avoid immediate reactions; give yourself time.
Understand the difference between real and virtual relationships; do not rush into testing every connection.
Keep your personal information and photos safe; do not trust people unnecessarily.
Use social media with intent, not as a mere distraction.
Each of us needs to reflect on whether we are using social media or being used by it.

During a walk with our esteemed teacher Shahid Anwar, he pointed out the negative trends of social media, stating that it has impacted our social and educational structures in many ways.

After long-term use of social media, I have personally concluded that:

Social media has destroyed the culture of reading and studying, limited the process of thinking, and diminished the beauty of conversation. The reality is that when we abandon real dialogue to get lost on screens, the humanity within us starts to fade away slowly.

I urge you to test this on yourself. Take a break from social media for a few days. Uninstall the apps. Read books, reflect, remain silent and think, take walks with friends, and engage in conversation. You will see how pleasant life can be. Remember, the most valuable thing is your mental health. When the mind is at peace, the body will also remain healthy. Make social media your servant; do not become its slave. This balance can help you become a successful, peaceful, and happy person.

I will share more on this topic in the future, but for now, this is enough.

Sabookh Syed

Sabookh Syed is a well-known Pakistani journalist, analyst, and media expert. He has been working in journalism for the past two decades, contributing to various reputable institutions in Pakistan and around the world.

Sabookh Syed holds a distinguished position in research, analysis, and reporting on sensitive topics in Pakistan, including terrorism, counter-violent extremism, security issues, religious politics, religious organizations, and madrassa reforms. He has also written columns for Daily Jang, The News, and Urdu Point. Currently, he regularly writes columns for IBC Urdu and English.

He worked with Geo News, one of Pakistan’s leading media houses, for almost twelve years as a reporter, anchor, and analyst. Presently, he hosts an important program titled “Ibtidaa Sabookh Syed” on Pakistan Television (PTV), focusing on social issues, societal reform, and the restoration of values. He is frequently invited to major universities in Pakistan to engage with young students.

Sabookh Syed is also the president of the Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan, which connects independent and autonomous news web portals and provides high-quality and unbiased news and current affairs content.

Additionally, he is active in education and teaching. He is currently a lecturer at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto University, where he teaches subjects such as Media Psychology and Design for Social Change.

With over 20 years of experience, Sabooh Syed is a recognized name in investigative journalism, media thinking, and social change in Pakistan.