The Impact of Social Networking Sites on Teenagers' Behavior and Their Influence on Pakistani Culture

Abstract

The growing use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) has a great influence on the behavior of Teenagers worldwide. SNS has specific influence on cultural dynamics in countries like Pakistan. This study explores that how SNS (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tok-tok) influence psychological wellbeing, identity formation and social behavior of Pakistani teenagers. Here we can examine influence of SNS on Pakistani culture, by checking the shifting values, norms and social perception. Data collected from teenagers (through semi structured in depth interviews from 30 teenagers in two phases over a period of six months) in major Pakistani cities highlight the changing dynamics in behavior and cultural identity of Pakistani youth. This article shed light on Positive and negative effects of social media usage among Pakistani teenagers and uncover the emerging themes related to self-perception, social norms, mental health and cultural shifts. Results indicate a strong relationship between use of social media and cultural transformation in Pakistan. Theory of social influence and uses and gratifications theory confirm the results of this study. There are also some limitations of this study, which includes regional scope. Future research direction led to check the impact of SNS across various demographics. Moreover, qualitative research is basically subjective in nature, as a result it could be affected by the bias of researchers. So, quantitative research study can be conducted in future in order to validate the findings.