Islamabad: A psychiatrist on Sunday called for quality, youth-oriented content in media and education systems, warning that disconnecting young people from their current digital reality may contribute to loneliness and anxiety in the era of social media.
While interacting with PTV News channel, psychiatrist Dr Ayesha Durrani urged reforms in education and social media, saying traditional and outdated content is fueling growing isolation among Gen Z, adding, young people need modern, engaging, and time-relevant material instead of old-style approaches, warning that the current mismatch is increasing boredom and loneliness.
She also stressed the need to introduce age limits for social media use, similar to practices in countries like Japan and the United States, adding, digital platforms should be regulated according to age groups to protect young users from harmful psychological effects.
She emphasized that media and educational systems should shift towards time-centered and youth-focused programs instead of relying on outdated or ‘boring’ content designed for older generations.
Gen Z requires modern, engaging, and relevant material that aligns with their digital lifestyle and learning patterns, she stressed.
Dr Durrani further highlighted that excessive and unstructured use of social media is contributing to growing feelings of loneliness among individuals, adding, while people remain constantly active on social media apps, meaningful real-life interactions and relationships are gradually declining.
She added that many individuals appear socially connected online but are practically isolated in real life, leading to emotional distance and weak personal relationships, adding, this imbalance between virtual engagement and real-world interaction is becoming a serious mental health concern.
She urged families, educators and policymakers to encourage balanced digital usage and promote real-life social bonding, stressing that healthier routines and meaningful human connections are essential for emotional well-being in the modern age.
She mentioned that excessive use of social media and prolonged screen exposure is also contributing to rising biological and physical health issues among young people.
According to her, irregular sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, eye strain and stress-related hormonal imbalances are becoming increasingly common due to continuous digital engagement.
She further explained that such biological impacts are not limited to physical fatigue but are also linked to declining concentration levels, mood disturbances and weakened overall well-being.
She stressed that these issues are especially affecting the younger generation, who spend a significant portion of their time on digital platforms.
In conclusion, she urged the need for balanced social media use, healthier routines, and greater awareness among families and institutions to protect both the mental and physical health of youth, emphasizing that timely action is essential to prevent long-term consequences.