Digital habits weakening family bonds, experts warn

ISLAMABAD: Mental health experts have raised concern that growing dependence on digital platforms and strong brand-driven behaviour among Generation Z are affecting family life, personal wellbeing and the quality of relationships at home.

Renowned psychiatrist Dr Maria Sohail Qureshi, speaking to a local media channel, said the younger generation’s deep engagement with technology and strong attachment to brands are reshaping their values, routines and interactions. She said many young people now spend much of their time online, scrolling through social media and making purchases that reflect how they see themselves, while traditional family interaction is increasingly being pushed aside.

According to Dr Qureshi, the change goes beyond a simple shift in lifestyle. She said reduced time together within households is leading to shorter and more surface-level conversations, while the emotional connections that once held families together are becoming weaker.

She also warned that constant involvement with digital devices can affect mental health and lessen empathy. Dr Qureshi urged parents, teachers and society to respond to these patterns in a timely way. She said promoting offline activities, creating opportunities for shared experiences and teaching the importance of face-to-face connection are necessary steps to balance the pull of screens and brand culture.

Online shopping changing routines

Dr Rabia Munir, also a leading psychiatrist, said Generation Z is increasingly choosing online shopping because of convenience, speed and lower prices. She said rapid delivery has become an essential expectation for many young consumers, and that delays or expensive shipping charges can quickly discourage them.

Dr Munir said this growing focus on online buying is also taking the place of family time. She noted that meals, conversations and shared household activities are increasingly being displaced by screen use and quick online purchases.

The experts’ remarks point to a broader concern that digital life is not only changing consumer behaviour among young people but also altering the structure of everyday family routines. They said the shift is affecting how families spend time together and how younger people connect with those around them.

Dr Qureshi stressed that the issue should be addressed proactively rather than ignored. In her view, efforts to strengthen in-person interaction and reduce excessive screen dependence can help preserve family cohesion and support healthier emotional development.

Dr Munir similarly underlined that convenience-led digital habits are increasingly shaping daily life for Generation Z, with family routines often taking a secondary place to online engagement. The experts said the trend carries consequences not only for relationships within the home but also for mental and physical health.