The Influence Of Social Media On Pashtun Youth In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Digital Era: A Narrative From District Swat

Abstract

Adolescence marks a critical phase characterized by significant physical, social, and emotional changes. This study examines the multifaceted impact of social media on Pashtun adolescents in Pakistan, drawing upon Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory as a theoretical framework. Employing a quantitative research approach through online surveys, the study focused on parental attention, interpersonal connections, education, behavioural influences, and social engagements in the digital age. Findings underscored concerns regarding parental attention diversion to social media, impacting familial dynamics and signalling the need for a balanced approach to parental engagement. Adolescent interactions shifted as online communication supplanted face-to-face connections, potentially impacting relationship depth. While social media played a pivotal role in peer education, concerns arose regarding negative behaviours influenced by online content. The study highlighted the evolving educational landscape, with teachers utilizing social media for instructional purposes, prompting the need for educational institutions to adapt. Positive familial connections were facilitated through social media, fostering open communication between adolescents and parents. Recommendations advocate for parental awareness, digital literacy education, active monitoring, promotion of offline interactions, teaching digital etiquette, supportive school policies, balanced family bonding, and awareness of online distractions. These proposals underscore the importance of proactive education, supervision, and responsible social media use among adolescents, emphasizing collaboration among parents, educators, and society to equip teenagers with the necessary skills for informed online interactions and balanced real-life connections.