TikTok and Youth in Pakistan A Growing Social Challenge with Real-Life Consequences

In the last decade, TikTok has become one of the most powerful social media platforms globally, especially among teenagers and young adults. Its short-form video format, easy editing tools, and algorithm that can make anyone go viral have made it wildly popular in Pakistan — with millions of users scrolling, posting, and engaging daily. But along with entertainment and creative expression, serious social, psychological, and safety issues are emerging, particularly for young people.
TikTok and Pakistani Youth is a Digital Trend but this trend is Turning Dangerous day by day due to various factors.
TikTok has rapidly become one of the most influential social media platforms among young people in Pakistan. While it offers entertainment, creativity, and opportunities for visibility, its unchecked use is increasingly linked with serious social risks, psychological harm, and even life-threatening consequences.
Young users, especially teenagers, are drawn to TikTok because of instant popularity, likes, and viral fame. However, this constant need for attention and validation often pushes them toward unsafe online behaviour, exposure to strangers, and risky content creation. In a society where digital awareness is limited and social boundaries are sensitive, such exposure can have severe outcomes.
A tragic example is the recent Islamabad incident involving TikTok user Sana Yunus, who was brutally killed inside her own home after refusing to marry a man who had repeatedly contacted her online. This case shocked the nation and highlighted how online interactions can escalate into real-world violence, particularly against young women. It exposed the dangers of online obsession, lack of digital safety, and weak protection mechanisms for social media users.
Similarly, several other incidents across Pakistan have shown youths risking their lives for viral content from dangerous stunts to reckless driving leading to injuries and deaths. These cases demonstrate how TikTok’s viral culture can encourage impulsive and hazardous behaviour without consideration of consequences.
Beyond physical danger, excessive TikTok use also affects mental health. Unrealistic beauty standards, public judgment, cyber-harassment, and addiction to screen time contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among youngsters. Many youths begin to measure their worth through views and followers rather than real-life achievements and relationships.
Authorities in Pakistan have occasionally banned or restricted TikTok, citing moral and safety concerns. However, bans alone are not a long-term solution. The real need lies in digital literacy, parental guidance, strong platform regulation, and legal action against online harassment and stalking.
In conclusion, TikTok itself is not the enemy, but its misuse and lack of awareness have turned it into a serious threat for Pakistani youth. The tragic loss of lives like Sana Yunus and many others serves as a painful reminder that the virtual world has real consequences. Protecting young people requires collective responsibility from families, educators, platforms, and the state to ensure that digital spaces remain safe, respectful, and life-affirming rather than dangerous.