Social Media and Its Impact on the Mental Health of the Youth

Social media has become an integral part of human life, revolutionising communication and information dissemination across the globe. It is a significant manifestation of modern technological advancement, which has not only simplified communication but also profoundly impacted every sphere of public life. Recently, a highly respected friend of mine, recognised globally for his contributions to the medical profession and humanitarian service, sent me an article written by Dr Colin Fisher, a lecturer at the UCL School of Management in London, UK. The article, titled ” The dynamics that polarise us on social media are about to get worse” prompted me to delve into the subject. It highlights the growing influence of social media and raises concerns from Western intellectuals about the distortion of truth on platforms, particularly those under the “Meta” umbrella, in the face of hate speech and an overwhelming flood of misinformation.

In this discussion, let us examine the history, current state, benefits, and drawbacks of social media, supported by research references, to understand its impact comprehensively.

History of Social Media

Social media emerged in the 1990s with the widespread availability of the internet. The first social media website, “Six Degrees,” launched in 1997, allowing users to create profiles and connect with friends. Facebook’s inception in 2004 revolutionised the social media landscape, followed by Twitter’s introduction of microblogging in 2006. WhatsApp (2009) and Instagram (2010) further popularised messaging and photo sharing. Research shows that social media usage surged after 2010, particularly with the proliferation of mobile internet, where misinformation and hate speech have overshadowed the truth and justice.

Current Usage Trends

Social media usage has skyrocketed globally. According to the 2023 report by “We Are Social” and “Hootsuite,” approximately 4.9 billion people use social media platforms. These platforms connect people for various purposes, including news, entertainment, education, and business. In Pakistan, the trend is rapidly increasing. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) 2022 report states that internet users in the country have surpassed 124 million, with a significant portion engaged on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Social media has dramatically simplified and accelerated information dissemination. A study reveals that 80% of people rely on social media for news.

Benefits of Social Media

1. Business Opportunities

Social media has transformed business practices. E-commerce and digital marketing have enabled companies to introduce their products and services globally. The E-Commerce Journal reports a 30% annual increase in business conducted through social media.

4. Educational Resources
   Social media has become an essential source for accessing educational materials. Students benefit from online lectures, videos, and other resources. A University of California study indicates that online education has improved student performance by 25%.
5. Connecting People
   Social media has brought distant individuals closer, making it an excellent tool for maintaining relationships with friends and family. It has replaced costly landline and mobile communication with free programs and introduced video links for group interactions across countries. However, it raises the question of why these platforms offer free services while incurring substantial expenses.
6. Social Life Improvement
   According to a Harvard Business Review study, social media has enhanced the social lives of 60% of users.

Drawbacks of Social Media

5. Time Wastage
   Excessive use leads to time wastage. On average, users spend two to three hours daily on social media.
6. Mental Health Impacts
   Unrealistic standards and negative comments affect mental health. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes a 25% increase in depression and anxiety linked to excessive social media use.
7. Misinformation and Security Risks
   Sharing inaccurate information is easy. The Cybersecurity Journal states that 80% of global data breaches in 2021 were associated with social media. Platforms have become breeding grounds for fake news and rumours, causing social and political unrest. The Reuters Institute reports that 70% of people share information without verifying its authenticity.
8. Political Misuse
   In developing countries like Pakistan, political parties exploit social media for propaganda, defaming opponents, and inciting the public. Hostile nations use these platforms to fuel political and social instability. A BBC report highlights organised misinformation campaigns by certain countries to destabilise others, such as Pakistan.
9. Exploitation of Collaborative Systems
   Community-based systems often face exploitation by organised groups. For instance, Chinese nationalists have reportedly manipulated Wikipedia entries concerning China-Taiwan relations to favour China’s stance. Similarly, Indian and Israeli intelligence agencies extensively misuse social media to achieve their objectives.

Social media has undeniably revolutionised communication, information dissemination, and connectivity. While its benefits are immense, the challenges it poses, particularly in terms of misinformation, mental health, and political exploitation, cannot be overlooked. Effective regulations and ethical practices are crucial to maximising its advantages and minimising its adverse effects.

False Narratives and Their Impact on Political Stability

False narratives exacerbate political differences, leading to severe damage to political stability. The growing hatred among the populace is causing an increase in social divisions. Campaigns run by hostile elements pose threats to national security and lay the groundwork for enmity between neighbouring countries. Such animosities elevate security risks to such an extent that adversarial forces exploit the situation, creating conditions for war. This puts the lives of millions at risk. Even a single day of war can push nations’ development back by years.

Over the past three years, artificial intelligence (AI) has surpassed other social media programs. Its advantages include superior data analysis, product design, and automation, which allow complex tasks to be executed swiftly and efficiently. In industrial and business sectors, AI saves both time and costs. In healthcare, it aids in diagnosing patients and producing instant results for X-rays, MRIs, and scans. AI is also utilised in robotic surgeries and personalised treatments.

In education, AI improves learning platforms by offering students tailored resources. It simplifies online learning and makes it more interactive. In transportation, it has revolutionised travel with automated vehicles and navigation systems, ensuring safer and more efficient journeys while saving valuable time. Furthermore, AI has created new industries and job opportunities, particularly in technology and the digital economy.

The Dual Nature of Artificial Intelligence

While AI offers countless benefits, its drawbacks must also be acknowledged. Automation driven by AI is eliminating many traditional and manual jobs. Training AI systems requires vast amounts of data, increasing the risk of privacy violations. Algorithms can incorporate biases or inaccuracies, leading to unfair decisions and raising concerns about partiality and lack of transparency. Additionally, AI can be misused for cyberattacks, fake videos (deepfakes), and other criminal activities, significantly heightening security risks. Overreliance on AI can weaken human decision-making and emotional intelligence, contributing to moral and social challenges. The use of autonomous weapons in military systems poses a major risk to human lives. A recent example includes Israel’s exploitation of Hezbollah’s wireless communication system, where they spied on the system for months and later triggered a blast with a single command, killing hundreds and leaving many permanently disabled.

It is undeniable that AI and other social media programs offer numerous opportunities to enhance human life. However, for their effective and safe utilisation, appropriate regulations and ethical boundaries must be established. Without strategies to mitigate their disadvantages, these technologies could darken the future of the entire world.

Islamic Perspective on False Information

اِذۡ تَلَقَّوۡنَہٗ بِاَلۡسِنَتِکُمۡ وَتَقُوۡلُوۡنَ بِاَفۡوَاہِکُمۡ مَّا لَیۡسَ لَکُمۡ بِہٖ عِلۡمٌ وَّ تَحۡسَبُوۡنَہٗ ہَیِّنًا ٭ۖ وَّ ہُوَ عِنۡدَ اللّٰہِ عَظِیۡمٌ ،وَ لَوۡ لَاۤ اِذۡ سَمِعۡتُمُوۡہُ قُلۡتُمۡ مَّا یَکُوۡنُ لَنَاۤ اَنۡ نَّتَکَلَّمَ بِہٰذَا ٭ۖ سُبۡحٰنَکَ ہٰذَا بُہۡتَانٌ عَظِیۡمٌ۔۔۔۔(النور:15-16)

When you received it with your tongues and said with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge and thought it was insignificant while it was, in the sight of Allah, tremendous.

 یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اِنۡ جَآءَکُمۡ فَاسِقٌۢ بِنَبَاٍ فَتَبَیَّنُوۡۤا اَنۡ تُصِیۡبُوۡا قَوۡمًۢا بِجَہَالَۃٍ فَتُصۡبِحُوۡا عَلٰی مَا فَعَلۡتُمۡ نٰدِمِیۡنَ۔(الحجرات:6)

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:
“Whoever accuses a Muslim falsely will be stopped at the bridge over Hell until he repents.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

Global Consequences of False Narratives

Globally, intellectuals agree that false news and misinformation on social media are significantly contributing to domestic unrest. Such platforms have even been weaponised to destabilise nations. A glaring example is the “Arab Spring,” where media campaigns led to widespread destruction. In Iraq, false accusations about weapons of mass destruction resulted in the deaths of thousands of Iraqis and the obliteration of a civilisation thousands of years old. Similarly, Libya’s leader Muammar Gaddafi, who provided unparalleled services to his nation and transformed Libya into a prosperous welfare state, was overthrown. His refusal to bow to foreign pressures and his decision to sell oil outside the dollar system led to a campaign of misinformation. A false claim that his air force bombed Benghazi, killing 50,000 civilians, was later denied. However, it was enough to justify a no-fly zone over Libya, paving the way for external intervention and plunging the country into civil war. Today, Libya’s oil wealth is entirely under foreign control.

Islamic Teachings on Truthfulness

Islamic teachings prohibit the spread of lies and misinformation, as these disrupt societal peace and erode trust. The Quran and Hadith emphasise that truthfulness is the foundation of a harmonious society, while falsehood breeds discord and turmoil. Adhering to these principles can shield communities from the devastating consequences of false narratives and ensure a just and stable society.

In countries like Pakistan, false information not only leads to social conflicts but also provides opportunities for adversarial elements to exploit the situation and fuel political anarchy.

According to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, it is the responsibility of Muslims to avoid spreading any news without proper investigation. It is essential to promote the importance of Islamic principles through quality education and training and to cultivate a culture of critical inquiry. Following the teachings of the Qur’an, verifying the authenticity of every piece of information should be mandatory, and strict legal action should be taken against slander and the dissemination of falsehoods.

If we begin taking these steps today, you will observe that increased awareness about social issues and rights will enhance people’s consciousness, improve communication, and expand educational opportunities. However, it is evident that the excessive negative use of social media is harming social relationships, isolating individuals, and causing mental stress and anxiety among the youth. False information and propaganda are further contributing to social divisions.

While it cannot be denied that social media has brought significant improvements in connectivity, reuniting family members who had become distant, and raising awareness about

social issues and rights, it has also increased educational opportunities and enabled remote work, saving billions of dollars for businesses globally. This has enhanced convenience, reduced depression, and improved quality of life. However, we must not overlook the adverse effects of social media, such as mental pressure and anxiety among the younger generation, which often leads to social isolation, misinformation, and propaganda. In some cases, it has even driven individuals to commit suicide, impacting numerous families.

To address these issues, it has become imperative to enforce strict laws to curb the misuse of social media. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to help people identify and avoid false information. Modern technology should be utilised on social media platforms to detect fake accounts and misinformation. Revolutionary changes must be introduced to tackle cybercrime more effectively. Moreover, social media technology experts should step forward to develop secure programs that ensure the safety of future generations.

Social media is a platform that influences every aspect of life. While it offers countless benefits, its drawbacks cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is crucial to use social media with moderation and for constructive purposes to minimise its negative impacts and maximise its advantages. According to reports by research institutions and recommendations from experts, the use of social media should be organised and constructive to further enhance its positive effects.

Note: As soon as I completed my column, I first sent it to my esteemed colleague who sent the article by Dr Colin Fisher asked me what ordinary individuals could do to better benefit from use of social media and be less harmed by false information.  He had looked for guidance on how best to avoid misinformation. At my request, they have sent short comments, and I believe that their valuable comments have completed my article. I am very happy to publish their comments with their permission.

“A source from the University of California had suggested the importance of trusting the source of information not the ‘sharer’.  If news was not from a trustworthy source known to have strong ethical editorial control and employ honest fact checkers, then maybe it was less likely to be true.  He learned that social media content tended to be selected to drive polarization of views reinforcing differences between groups rather than helping to seek common ground. He noted that in his own area of scientific medical research he recognized that everyone had biased views to some extent and would tend, like everyone else outside of professional science, to seek evidence and views that confirmed their own. Scientific processes were designed to overcome these biases, but these processes are lacking in social media. Humans are curious creatures. Our curiosity is what has driven us to the highest levels of achievement, but some are more curious than others.  In journalism there is a tendency to over-emphasise the new, the exciting and the novel and to under-report the dull, the not immediately new but nevertheless very important facts that ultimately prove to be closer to the truth than the new, exciting and novel facts. On social media people do the same – they share the new, the novel and exciting – who wants to read about dull facts that are not new.  When looking at shared content about new scientific and medical studies, whether in social media or even in standard print and broadcast media, remember to gather information from many sources.  One study does not change the landscape about how we perceive an entire area of knowledge. Science is in any case always an exercise in probability.  Such and such a fact is probably true – we can never be absolutely certain about any so-called fact.  In his opinion the most dangerous people in the world are the ones who think they know the truth and are absolutely certain that they are right.  It is always wise to seek a range of opinions from many sources and in science it is wise to take the totality of evidence before coming to conclusions.  My colleague likes to hear the phrase ‘it is probable that’ or ‘it is highly likely that’ rather than ‘I’m certain that this is the answer to the problem’. He was also sad to note that there are entities, perhaps more in the political arena rather than the scientific arena who deliberately share false information, though science has its own catalogue of cases of falsification of scientific data.  The latter is harmful but the former, generating false facts of political relevance is likely to be more damaging to the social fabric of society.

Thus, in conclusion, he said, we should be diligent in accepting facts only from proven reliable sources, try to develop a balanced perspective rather than extreme views that deny other perspectives, and that we should all remember that we are biased in our thinking, to greater or lesser degrees.  We should avoid being fooled by the latest novel and exciting facts from a single source and should instead seek out information from diverse sources. Bearing in mind these points may help all of us to avoid information that originates from sources that have evil intent.