According to the research company Gallup Pakistan, more than half of our population is growing up in an online world — where falsehood spreads faster than the truth. According to a 2023 study by the Digital Rights Foundation, more than 70% of Pakistan’s social media users have unknowingly shared misleading information. From fake health tips to conspiracy theories and political propaganda, misinformation has quietly spread everywhere.
This is not only affecting their critical thinking skills but also their behaviour. It can lead to anxiety, political polarisation, and identity confusion. Our youth are increasingly quoting TikTok videos and viral posts as facts. Many are unable to distinguish between reality and viral fiction.
To overcome this growing crisis, digital literacy should be taught like a regular subject — in schools, colleges, and even universities as most students don’t even know how to verify online information. Social media platforms and influencers also need to be held responsible for what they post. There should be proper awareness campaigns, and the government and educators should work together to guide young people. The youth should be trained to verify sources, question narratives, identify bias, and tell the difference between credible and manipulated content. If we want a future built on truth and awareness, we must teach our youth digital literacy.
SOBIA
MIRPURKHAS
