KARACHI: Excessive use of social media is contributing to loneliness, mental stress, sleep deprivation, anxiety and restlessness, making it increasingly important to promote balanced and responsible digital habits in Pakistani society, said senior producer, anchorperson and research scholar Dr Farhana Owais.
She was addressing a hybrid workshop titled “Balanced Use of Social Media” held at the L.E.J. National Science Information Centre, University of Karachi. The workshop was jointly organised by the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, and the UNESCO Chair in Medicinal and Bio-organic Natural Product Chemistry established at ICCBS.
Dr Farhana Owais, who is also a member of the Pakistan and United States Alumni Network, stressed that excessive dependence on social media was creating serious challenges for individuals, particularly affecting their psychological well-being, sleeping patterns and social relationships.
She emphasised that maintaining a healthy balance between online activities and real-life interactions was essential to overcoming the negative consequences of excessive social media engagement.
Highlighting the emerging concept of the “attention economy,” Dr Owais explained that social media platforms were designed to maximise user engagement and encourage people to spend longer periods online. This prolonged engagement generates financial benefits for digital platforms, effectively turning users and their attention into commercially valuable products.
She observed that while social media had transformed communication and access to information, its uncontrolled use could aggravate physical, psychological and social problems. She urged people, particularly young users, to consciously reduce their daily screen time and adopt healthier digital habits.
Dr Owais also discussed emerging technological developments, including Sixth Sense Technology, which she said could become accessible to the general public in the near future.
Earlier, ICCBS Director Prof. Dr Muhammad Raza Shah, while delivering the opening remarks, welcomed the guest speaker and highlighted both the opportunities and challenges associated with social media.
He said that although excessive use of social media had created numerous problems, its positive potential could be utilised effectively through responsible, informed and balanced engagement.
The workshop was attended by a large number of faculty members and students, including participants from the Department of Mass Communication, who showed keen interest in the discussion on digital behaviour, social media consumption and its impact on society.
At the conclusion of the workshop, event organiser Nadeem Ahmed Khan expressed gratitude to the guest speaker, faculty members, students and other participants for their contributions to the programme.
