Harnessing social media benefits and mitigating its risks for students

(Professor Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, TI, Pro-Rector, The University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus)

Social media, when used responsibly, offers immense benefits for students by providing access to a wealth of information, fostering critical thinking, encouraging innovation and promoting progressive thinking. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and academic forums can serve as valuable tools for research, networking and staying informed about global trends. Proper usage can significantly enhance students’ knowledge and broaden their perspectives. However, the overuse of social media, particularly when engaging with irrelevant content and false propaganda, leads to frustration, misinformation and social disparity. This not only distracts students from their academic goals but also misguides society, spreading confusion and promoting divisive narratives that hinder personal and collective progress. Therefore, balanced and informed use of social media is crucial for its positive impact.

Private sector universities are making a substantial contribution by providing a conducive environment for learning, with investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, top-tier faculty and a commitment to student-centric policies. These institutions prioritize their students’ success, focusing on holistic development through rigorous academics, critical thinking exercises and extracurricular activities that prepare students for real-world challenges. In advanced educational systems like those in the U.S. and Europe, faculty not only deliver comprehensive lectures but also engage students with challenging assignments and quizzes designed to promote critical thinking and innovative problem-solving. Universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Oxford are prime examples where both faculty and students are immersed in learning from dawn to dusk. Students are encouraged to think independently, develop communication skills and apply knowledge practically, which, in turn, fosters civil society improvement globally. The commitment and dedication of faculty in these institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their students, equipping them with the tools to tackle both existing and emerging societal issues. However, the overuse of social media among university students in Pakistan poses significant challenges, particularly in public institutions. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are widely used, often leading to distractions, misinformation, and a decline in academic performance. From my extensive experience of over 40 years in public universities and three years in private institutions, I have observed that private universities, with their structured learning environments and modern facilities, are better equipped to mitigate these issues compared to their public counterparts. There are several adverse effects of social media overuse that both public and private institutions must address:

1. Misinformation and misperceptions: Students frequently share unverified information, leading to the rapid spread of misconceptions. This is particularly concerning when malicious actors use social media to promote misleading narratives, which students, lacking critical thinking skills, often absorb uncritically.
2. Academic decline: Social media’s addictive nature diverts students from their academic responsibilities. Instead of engaging in meaningful research and discussions, they become engrossed in trivial content which hampers intellectual growth and personal development.
3. Mental health issues: Constantly comparing themselves to others on social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, leading to anxiety, depression and isolation. The unrealistic portrayals on social media further erode self-esteem, leaving students emotionally vulnerable.
4. Negative engagement: Without proper engagement in academic or extracurricular activities, students tend to focus on social media, often engaging in harmful online behaviors. This problem is particularly pronounced in public universities, where the lack of modern facilities and extracurricular opportunities leads students to seek distractions online.
5. Challenges in public universities: Public universities often lack the resources and infrastructure to keep students engaged. Overcrowded classrooms, poorly maintained facilities and limited extracurricular options make it difficult to create a stimulating learning environment, pushing students towards social media as a distraction.
6. Private universities and structured learning: In contrast, performing private universities generally offer better infrastructure, with air-conditioned lecture halls, advanced technologies and modern learning environments. Although these institutions may charge higher fees, the quality of education, parental involvement, and student engagement are notably higher. However, private universities also need to ensure that students are actively engaged beyond the classroom through well-structured extracurricular programs.
7. Fee structures and impact: The relatively lower fees in public universities limit the availability of modern facilities and services. Increasing fees in public institutions could allow for better resources, improving the overall student experience and reducing the reliance on social media for entertainment.
8. Lack of ownership: In public sector universities, students often feel disconnected and ignored, which leads to frustration. They have limited access to university administration and struggle to get their genuine issues addressed. Until they are acknowledged as key stakeholders, their concerns and frustrations will remain unresolved.

Addressing the Problem:

University leadership, both in public and private sectors, can play a transformative role in addressing the overuse of social media by implementing the following strategies:

1. Establishing a rich university culture: Creating student clubs, societies and extracurricular activities will help students channel their energies into positive endeavors such as academic excellence, sports and creative pursuits. By fostering a structured environment, students will be less inclined to engage in harmful social media habits.
2. Investing in sports and extracurricular infrastructure: Providing robust sports facilities and other extracurricular opportunities will not only improve students’ mental and physical health but also reduce their dependence on social media as a source of entertainment.
3. Reforming fee structures in public universities: Adjusting the fee structure in public institutions to improve facilities and resources will create a more competitive and engaging learning environment. This will encourage students to focus more on their education and less on social media distractions.
4. Introducing media literacy programs: Universities should offer media literacy courses to teach students how to critically evaluate online information. This will help reduce the spread of misinformation and equip students with the tools to navigate the overwhelming flow of online content.
5. Enhancing faculty engagement: Faculty members must go beyond traditional lectures and actively engage students through interactive discussions, collaborative projects and research. By making classrooms more dynamic, students will develop critical thinking skills and be less susceptible to distractions like social media.
6. Equal opportunities for private institutions: The decision of the honorable Chief Minister of Punjab to support students is not only commendable but will also significantly ease the financial burden on parents who are struggling to meet their children’s educational expenses. The government currently offers schemes and support primarily to public universities, leaving private institutions at a disadvantage. Equal opportunities should be extended to both sectors, based on performance, to encourage a competitive academic environment. Private sector universities are playing a crucial role by educating a substantial number of students in highly conducive environments, investing heavily in each student to provide quality education with state-of-the-art infrastructure and highly competent faculty, all under excellent governance. In these institutions, students are the top priority, and all policies are student-centric. Therefore, students in private universities deserve equal consideration when it comes to scholarships, laptop schemes, project funding, and internship opportunities at government institutions such as hospitals, universities, and federal institutes. It is important to note that private universities are educating our children just as public universities do. In fact, private universities could further enhance their contributions if they receive the necessary support and recognition from the government.”

Conclusion: The overuse of social media among university students in Pakistan has far-reaching consequences, from academic decline to mental health issues. Public universities, due to infrastructural gaps, face greater challenges in addressing this problem, while private institutions offer a more structured environment but are still not immune to the issue. Leadership across both sectors must take proactive steps to foster an engaging academic culture, enhance infrastructure, and equip students with the skills needed to critically assess and navigate the challenges posed by social media. Government initiatives such as scholarships, laptop schemes, research funding and internship opportunities should be available to students in both public and private universities. By doing so, universities can ensure the development of well-rounded, responsible graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society.