Rising Loneliness in Digitally Connected Pakistan

What is loneliness?

There are several ways loneliness can be described, but the simple ways to learn about it are;

• Loneliness is the feeling you get when you want connection, understanding, or closeness with others, but you do not feel it in your life.
• It is not just about being physically alone. A person can be surrounded by friends or family and still feel lonely. Loneliness happens when there is a gap between the relationships you want and the relationships you actually have. In simple words, loneliness is feeling emotionally disconnected, unseen, or unsupported, even if people are around you.

Michèle D. Birtel explains loneliness as; Loneliness can be more than a temporary feeling.

What is Hyper connected society?

In simple words, hyper connectivity can be defined as a society where everyone is connected to one another most of the time or 24/7 through means like the internet, devices etc.

Use Of Social Media & Internet In Pakistan

Pakistan has seen a huge rise in digital connectivity over the past few years, especially among young people. Affordable smartphones and cheaper mobile data have made internet access common meaning millions of Pakistanis are online every day and use digital platforms for communication, entertainment, and social interaction.

• Around 75% of the population has active mobile connections, many with internet access making smartphones the major way people go online.
• Internet use and mobile internet access have grown rapidly, especially in urban and youth populations.

Social Media Platforms Popular with Youth

Young people in Pakistan are most active on platforms like:

• Facebook: one of the most widely used platforms, with over 100 million users in Pakistan.
• WhatsApp: used for daily communication and group chats by tens of millions.
• YouTube: extremely popular for videos, entertainment, and learning.
• TikTok: especially popular among youth for short creative videos.
• Instagram and Snapchat are also widely used for photos and stories, particularly by teens and young adults.

Recent figures suggest over 516 million social media accounts are active in the country, showing how deeply social platforms are now woven into daily life. Most users are young people for example, surveys show that two-thirds of Pakistanis under 30 use social media regularly.

Reasons Why The Young People Are Feeling More Alone:

• Young people constantly compare their lives with others carefully edited and perfect images on social media.
• Many influencers and peers display unrealistic lifestyles that make ordinary life feel boring or unsuccessful.
• Social media mostly shows achievements and happy moments, not struggles, which makes others feel left behind.
• Seeing friends at events or gatherings online can create fear of missing out and a sense of exclusion.
• Young people may have hundreds of online friends but very few deep, emotionally supportive relationships.
• Increased screen time has reduced meaningful face-to-face conversations and real human connection.
• Intense academic competition creates stress, pressure, and isolation among students.
• Uncertainty about jobs and unemployment increases anxiety about the future.
• Strong family expectations can make young people feel misunderstood or emotionally burdened.
• Mental health difference prevents many from openly discussing loneliness or emotional struggles.
• The shift from joint family systems to nuclear families has reduced everyday social interaction and support.
• Excessive use of social media can disturb sleep, increase anxiety, and deepen feelings of isolation.

Anxiety & Depression in Pakistani Youth

A recent quantitative study conducted with young adults in Pakistan found that excessive social media use was associated with significant negative effects on mental health. Specifically:

• Over 70% of participants experienced negative impacts such as anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
• Many also reported issues with self-perception and difficulty concentrating.
• The findings suggest that heavy social media engagement can contribute to emotional and psychological strain among young adults.

Solutions

1. Taking short breaks from social media and screens, called a digital detox, can help reduce anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. It also improves mood, especially when combined with good routines and mindfulness.
2. Community programs in Pakistan are offering mental health workshops and awareness campaigns for young people. These programs teach stress management skills and encourage open discussions about mental health.
3. Universities in Pakistan are slowly introducing campus counseling and support services to help students deal with stress and emotional problems.
4. Strong family communication and emotional support at home help young people feel less lonely and less anxious.
5. Joining youth clubs, sports teams, or volunteer groups helps young people build real-life friendships. These activities create a sense of belonging and purpose, which reduces loneliness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, even though Pakistan is very connected through the internet and social media, many young people still feel lonely. Social media comparison, study pressure, family expectations, and less face to face time have increased stress and sadness. Loneliness is not just being alone, but feeling emotionally disconnected. However, by reducing screen time, improving family support, joining community activities, and using counseling services, young people can feel more connected and supported.

References

• Global Media Journal – Digital Media Literacy & Social Media Use Among Teenagers in Pakistan
• In-Mind – Chronic Loneliness
• DataReportal – Global Digital Insights
• Pakistan Observer
• Critical Review of Social Sciences
• Insights Journal
• Pakistan Journal of Medical Research
• Reddit
• Springer Nature
• Fatima Jinnah Women University
• Cadet College Larkana