In today’s digital world, TikTok, and Facebook have become the most used apps among teenagers in Pakistan. These apps connect their users to the world with just phones. However, where everyone is inspired by the cool side of these apps, there the dark side also exists. These apps can become a cause of depression, minority, jealousy, and low confidence which can drain mental health. In this article, we are going to see the hidden dark side of using social media and how it’s impacting the lives of teenagers in Pakistan.
The Rise of Tiktok and Facebook in Pakistan
TikTok and Facebook have become the most popular platforms among teens in Pakistan. These platforms offer a space for them to be creative, show their talent to the world, and get entertained but they also bring dark realities of excessive screen time, addictive behavior, unrealistic comparison, etc. the growing pressure of aching likes, sharing, comments and viral success can lead to worse mental health if hard work not paying off.
The Hidden Risks: Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health
Where TikTok and Facebook are allowed to explore the world and connect with people around the globe there it also leads to mental health challenges. Some are:
Body Image Issues and Self-Esteem
Both platforms have filters that promote unrealistic beauty and create a beauty standard. The viewers unknowingly follow them and start copying them which could be the result of jealousy, feelings of incompleteness, and low self-esteem. Especially girls may develop the image in their minds to look like the models or influencers that destroy their personality and dignity by idealizing unrealistic personalities.
Validation Seeking and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The need for engagement and connections in the form of likes, comments, and shares can cause teenagers to become dependent on social media to know their worth. The “fear of missing out (FOMO)” unexpectedly developed and put them in a never-ending competition.
Social Media Addiction and Its Consequences
One of the most alarming impacts of using social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok is to get highly addictive. Teenagers spend countless hours unknowingly scrolling through endless content that can affect their lives, academic performance, physical health, and social interaction in the real world. This excessive screen time can disturb sleeping schedules, and staying up late on social media is a common habit among teens. Having less sleep can make them tired the whole day and have not attentive focused mind.
The more time they spend on social media the more they are making gaps in their relationships with family and society. Parents can take action and put screen time limits on their children. Parents should encourage teens to teach how to spend time with family, work hard in their studies, and not take social apps seriously. They can only utilize social apps to relax their minds not as habitual usage.
The Dangers of Cyberbullying and Toxic Content
Both TikTok and Facebook have a darker side when it comes to content that teenagers consume. Cyberbullying, dangerous challenges, and inappropriate content may lead to ending someone’s life because of depression. In Pakistan where cultural and social expectations are high, females often face harassment, abuse, the rest in online spaces. Their pictures could used to defame them. Although there are many laws in Pakistan against cyber crimes what about the mental health or trauma that will be connected to an individual for a lifetime?
The Role of Parents and Educators
To control the excessive usage of social media apps by teens, parents, teachers, and policymakers should have to play their role. Parents play an important role in their children’s lives and can easily control the use of phones by restrictions or setting proper timetables for usage. Open communications about potential risks like cyberbullying, hacking, and addiction can help in discussing how they can utilize social media safely. Educators can also give lessons in class and assemblies to teach students the accurate use of social apps. Policymakers in Pakistan also have the responsibility to verify the apps and make sure they are safe for teens to use. They can add age restriction policies so teens can be safe from consuming irrelevant content.
How SehatYab Helps Pakistani Teenagers Navigate Social Media Challenges
At Sehatyab, we are committed to helping our Pakistani teenagers and their families to manage their mental health which is disturbed by the utilization of social media platforms like Facebook or TikTok. Our online therapy services offer professional, accessible mental health support in the comfort of individuals’s homes.
Here is how Sehatyab can help:
Personalized Mental Health Support
Every teenager faces unique mental health challenges by using social media platforms based on the content he/she consumes. Our certified therapist at Sehatytab first analyzes the issue and then conducts a personalized consultation so high levels of stress and anxiety can be reduced. We empower teens with tools and techniques that guide them on how to make a balance between social and real life.
Encouraging Open Communication
Sehatyab always promotes open communication between teens and their parents or guardians. We also guide the families on how they can control the extra usage of social media by their children and divert their focus on other activities. Parents can better understand their teen’s struggles and can work together to make healthy habits.
Building Healthy Social Media Habits
At Sehatyab, we focus on helping teenagers develop an interest in content that can benefit them in their academic performance and later in their careers as well. We guide them on how they can use social media for their personal growth and avoid harmful trends that are viral on social media.
Prevent themselves from Cyberbullying.
We guide how teenagers can make their online presence safe and secure, and how to keep their passwords and other personal info safe on social media. we teach them, not get panic and what actions they can take in case of any cyberbullying or harassment
Take Action Today
Social media platforms have become the most important aspect of Pakistani teenagers but with the right guidance, they can effectively utilize the apps. At Sehatyab, we are here to help a teenager guide them on how they can use social apps without disturbing their real life.
If your teenager is struggling with the pressure of TikTok and Facebook and extra utilizing the screen time, you can contact us and our licensed mental health professionals will give support to succeed in both the online and offline world.
You can visit SehatYab and contact us via email or phone number, our support team will get in touch and based on your scheduled time book a meeting with experts.