Psychological and Social Consequences of Excessive Use of Social media and Artificial Intelligence

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 26 September 2025 Abstract: Social media and AI can be great tools for learning, connection, and progress — but only if used wisely. Today, most users, especially youth, waste valuable time chasing likes and viral posts. This not only harms their mental health but also distracts them from real goals like education, career, and social awareness. Many even use social media to spread hate and divide communities. Governments are failing to use youth talent properly, leaving them misled. The true success lies in learning, building society, and spreading peace — not in online popularity. Social media is not bad, but its use decides its value. Main Points: 1. Use of social media depends on the user – it can be a blessing or a waste. 2. Youth are addicted to likes and viral content, which harms their future. 3. Hate and fake content is being spread to divide society and create fear. 4. Governments are not providing enough opportunities for youth, pushing them toward negativity. 5. Social media itself is neutral – it becomes good or bad depending on how we use it. ---- Artificial Intelligence, social media, and other forms of social networking have undoubtedly benefited humanity, but their drawbacks cannot be ignored. It is true that the impact of these technologies depends largely on the users — whether they make them a blessing or a burden for themselves and society. Appreciating blessings and thanking the Creator is a commendable act, which is also emphasised in Islam. Similarly, all cultures and religions around the world teach the value of blessings and their positive use. Therefore, there is clear evidence of the positive use of social media and related fields. The existence of social media and technologies like AI is undoubtedly an unexpected blessing for mankind, but their use needs to be constructive and beneficial. It is important to note that approximately 5.41 billion people worldwide use social media, representing about 65.7% of the global population. The question is: what percentage of these users truly consider social media a blessing and use it positively? The truth is that only a small percentage of users make beneficial use of social media; the majority waste valuable time, often without realising it. Social media users need to evaluate how much time they spend daily on these platforms and how much of that time is spent productively — learning useful things or contributing positively to society’s progress and welfare. This aspect certainly deserves serious consideration. Social media has captured the attention of many young people, causing their careers and abilities to suffer. A large section of youth now equates success with posting a photo with a well-known political, social, or religious figure on social media, seeking validation through these associations. This perception of success is misleading. Many users repeatedly check how many likes, shares, or comments their posts receive. But what real benefit does going viral bring? Mistaking this behaviour for success is self-deception and harms society. True success lies in learning from the lives of respected personalities — how they earned respect and elevated their status through dedication, hard work, and honesty. Young people addicted to social media, wasting precious time on trivial likes, shares, and comments, are playing with their futures. What they perceive as happiness is no real achievement. This appears to be a form of conspiracy designed to keep youth distracted, preventing them from critically analysing politics, economics, and governance. If youth spend the best years of their lives watching meaningless content on social media, they will never question what is happening in society, how governments engage with people, or whether promises made before elections are fulfilled. Those who feel happy posting pictures or messages online should reconsider how they use their time. Similarly, those influenced by the deceptive web of social media should focus on material that guides them rightly. Excessive social media use has multiple negative effects, as highlighted by many scholars and authors. For example, Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation analyses how smartphones, social media, and overprotective parenting negatively affect children’s mental health. He calls this the “Great Rewiring of Childhood,” pointing to reduced physical activity, lack of sleep, divided attention, and addiction causing increased anxiety and depression among youth. Haidt recommends limiting smartphone use, banning phones in schools, and promoting free play to counter this crisis. There is no doubt that excessive social media use leads to mental stress, wasting time, and weakening personal relationships. Avoiding excessive social media can bring peace and balance to one’s life. In short, frivolous social media use wastes time and hinders social progress. It also mentally weakens and stresses young people. Therefore, avoiding excessive use is essential for health, wellbeing, and peace of mind. While many use social media for self-promotion, repeatedly viewing their own pictures or videos as a source of success, it is also true that social media is deliberately used to spread hateful content to disrupt social harmony and increase violence. Numerous incidents of mob violence have been incited via social media. For example, videos depicting violence against Muslims are deliberately uploaded to create fear and psychological trauma in the community. Sensitive institutions and responsible authorities sometimes release statements hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community, which are continuously spread on social media. These facts indicate that certain groups use social media to undermine social unity and harmony. If social media or any other platform is used to harm society, upload obscene content, or spread hatred, remember: these incidents are proof of social injustice. Many youths resort to such acts in the name of religion because they lack employment opportunities. Governments have no proper plans to utilise their talents. If governments were genuinely concerned, youth would not be driven to use religion as an opiate and engage in the negative use of social media. In today’s world, where nations and societies are positively contributing to their stature and capacity, a country like India, a democratic and secular state, is seeing divisions based on religion and ethnicity, with youth potential being deliberately wasted. Sadly, the rapid spread of hatred among young people is very dangerous and requires serious attention from all social media users. In conclusion, social media use, if harnessed for social survival, knowledge, research, and welfare, can produce far-reaching positive results. Youth should protect their valuable time and crucial years from the negative use of social media. In today’s world, peace and love are urgently needed, and youth from every religion and society can play a fundamental role in fulfilling this need. This article does not imply that social media or similar innovations inherently promote negative tendencies. Social media itself is neutral; its positive or negative impact depends on how it is used. ----- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam Regular Columnist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/psychological-social-consequences-social-media-ai/d/136986 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism