A roundtable titled “Digital Minds: Navigating Social Media and Mental Health” was organised by the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, on 23 January 2025. The discussants at the roundtable included Mr Fahd Husain, Ms Fatima Aslam, and Dr Rafia Rafique. An extensive interactive session and concluding remarks by Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President, CASS Lahore, rounded off the discussion.
In her opening remarks, Ms Nidaa Shahid highlighted the transformative impact of social media on identity, relationships, and mental health, particularly among adolescents navigating the pressures of digital visibility. She emphasised how Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation, juxtaposed with traditional societal norms, creates unique psychological challenges. She posed critical questions on fostering healthier digital spaces, equipping youth with responsible social media habits, and ensuring systemic collaboration among policymakers, educators, and tech companies.
The first discussant, Mr Fahd Husain, highlighted the profound impact of social media on society, describing it as a defining challenge of the modern era. He expressed concerns about how social media is reshaping information consumption, particularly in a “post-truth world,” where the boundaries between truth and falsehood are increasingly blurred. He argued that while mainstream media undergoes rigorous verification processes, social media bypasses these safeguards, leading to an environment where misinformation spreads unchecked. The rapid rise of digital platforms has fuelled emotional decision-making, reinforcing biases and shaping public discourse in ways that prioritise engagement over accuracy. He warned that this shift is eroding common ground, making people more dependent on content that aligns with their existing beliefs and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
Mr Husain also addressed the role of social media in deepening societal polarisation, particularly in Pakistan. He explained that algorithms push users into echo chambers, reinforcing their viewpoints and diminishing tolerance for opposing perspectives. This fragmentation is now visible not only in political and social spheres but also within households, where people struggle to engage constructively with differing opinions. However, Mr Husain acknowledged that social media is not entirely negative; it has democratised discourse by breaking down traditional hierarchies, allowing individuals to challenge elites and express their views freely. While social media presents significant challenges, it also offers opportunities for greater societal engagement, making it imperative to explore ways to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.
Ms Fatima Aslam, the second discussant, highlighted the growing issue of tech addiction, noting that there has been a shift from interpersonal psychological issues to concerns about excessive screen time and digital dependency. She traced this trend over the past decade, explaining how social media has reshaped the way individuals structure their daily lives. She emphasised that many young people seek emotional validation online, as they feel unheard by society and their families. This, she argued, reinforces a cycle of digital dependency, where social media becomes a primary source of affirmation. She also noted that the reward system inherent in social media platforms is a key factor in reinforcing these behaviours, contributing to increased polarisation between parents and children.
Ms Aslam further elaborated on how social media has altered goal-setting, self-projection, and personal satisfaction, with young people prioritising online recognition over real-life achievements. She linked tech addiction to growing trends of psychosis, anxiety, and depression, exacerbated by unrealistic social media portrayals. Additionally, she warned of the consequences of replacing human interactions with digital engagement, as AI and social media increasingly serve as substitutes for personal connections. She called for greater awareness, structured outdoor activities, and a societal shift to regulate screen addiction, ensuring that social media remains an assistant rather than a replacement for human interaction.
The third discussant, Dr Rafia Rafique, described modern youth as “digital zombies.” She acknowledged that while social media has become integral to professional and personal life, it has also led to strained relationships, reduced quality time with family, and declining mental well-being. Highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks, she noted that social media helps develop communication skills but negatively affects sleep, relationships, and overall happiness. She emphasised how excessive social media use fosters self-comparison, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly among children who experience self-doubt and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to disconnect.
Dr Rafique identified key stressors of social media, including “highlighting,” where individuals present idealised versions of their lives; social currency, which equates self-worth with likes and shares; the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO); and online harassment, which has become a significant concern. She further explored the psychological effects of social media addiction, linking it to depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and even emerging disorders such as “selfitis” and phantom vibration syndrome. She highlighted how social media has contributed to a drastic reduction in attention spans, likening it to a “popcorn brain” effect. Dr Rafique stressed the need for greater awareness of social media’s psychological impact and encouraged discussions on digital detoxification and mental well-being.
The interactive session provided a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of media, technology, and mental health, bringing together diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities these domains present. The discussion highlighted the transformative impact of social media and artificial intelligence on public discourse, particularly in the context of freedom of expression, misinformation, and mental health awareness. Participants emphasised how the rapid digitalisation of information consumption has reshaped traditional communication channels, raising concerns about the authenticity of content and the qualifications of those disseminating psychological and health-related advice.
One of the key concerns raised was the increasing prominence of individuals without clinical qualifications in mental health discussions on social media. This concern extended to self-identified “mental health advocates,” who, despite their lack of formal training, had built large followings by sharing personal experiences. The discussion reflected on the potential risks of unqualified individuals influencing vulnerable audiences, particularly the youth, and called for greater regulation and oversight of such content.
The conversation also touched upon the broader societal implications of social media, particularly its role in shaping perceptions, behaviours, and emotional well-being. The discussion reinforced the idea that while social media has provided a powerful platform for awareness and engagement, it has also introduced complex challenges that require a nuanced approach to regulation and content moderation.
The challenges faced by established news outlets in retaining audiences, particularly younger demographics, were examined, with participants pointing out that declining trust in traditional media had further complicated the information landscape. The polarisation of media was identified as a contributing factor to this decline, as audiences increasingly consumed news from sources aligned with their ideological beliefs. The session underscored the need for traditional media to rebuild credibility by prioritising fact-based reporting.
A significant point raised was how traditional media could adapt to digital disruption while preserving its core values of accuracy and accountability. Examples from international media outlets, such as The New York Times, were cited to illustrate how legacy media organisations have successfully transitioned into the digital space by adopting innovative content strategies. The introduction of subscription-based models and multimedia content was highlighted as a potential solution for Pakistani media outlets, particularly in light of their ongoing struggles to remain financially viable.
The broader need for a balanced approach to digital transformation—one that leverages technology for the betterment of society while mitigating its risks—was also emphasised. Participants reflected on how information consumption has evolved, with instant access to content replacing traditional research methods. While this shift has enabled greater accessibility, it has also introduced challenges in ensuring that information is accurate, credible, and responsibly communicated. The discussion reinforced the importance of fostering digital literacy, regulating online content without compromising freedom of expression, and ensuring that mental health discourse is led by qualified professionals.
In his closing remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President of CASS – Lahore, highlighted the integral role of social media in shaping global communication and connection. While acknowledging its positive impacts, he emphasised the significant mental health challenges it poses, particularly for younger generations. He stressed the dual nature of social media, describing it as a “double-edged sword” that connects and empowers but also divides and endangers. He pointed out the rising levels of anxiety and depression, especially in Pakistan, where the youth are grappling with an identity crisis exacerbated by online pressures. Despite these challenges, he called for collective efforts to ensure that technology serves humanity, urging greater digital literacy and responsible use of social media.
Ultimately, the roundtable highlighted the responsibility of stakeholders including policymakers, media professionals, and mental health experts to work collectively in addressing these issues. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the need for ethical considerations, informed regulation, and public awareness remains paramount in ensuring that technology serves as a tool for progress rather than a vehicle for misinformation or harm.
