Impact of Social Media on Pashtun Youth - Social media has transformed the identities of Pashtun youth by integrating and sharing content among virtual communities [1] - Social media provides a platform for youth to express their opinions, offering a sense of identity and freedom of speech [2] - Social media debates often revolve around unproductive or sensitive topics, potentially leading to image destruction without full understanding [12] - Social media is connecting Pashtun youth with international communities, fostering integration and cultural exchange [16][17] Concerns and Challenges - Traditional Pashtun values like respect, privacy, and appropriate language are being impacted by social media use [3] - Traditional gatherings and learning from elders are being replaced by continuous personal updates and competition on social media [4][5] - Youth are losing command of nonverbal communication skills due to excessive text-based communication [7] - Youth are linking their identity and progress solely to social media, neglecting other important aspects of personal development [9] - Social spying is prevalent, and youth may unknowingly share information with individuals who have bad intentions [14][15] - Youth are not verifying the authenticity of content before sharing, which can lead to the spread of harmful information [18][19] Recommendations - Youth should focus on using social media for cultural heritage protection and positive engagement in social and cultural growth at a global level [17] - Youth should avoid cyberbullying and be cautious about sharing unverified content [18][19] - Youth should be mindful of how their social media activity shapes their image and character [19][20][21] - Youth should consider whether they are using social media or being used by it, emphasizing mindful and balanced usage [24]