Capital suggestion: Beware the apps

Malicious state (read: India) and non-state actors are strategically exploiting Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram to disseminate content designed to induce negative emotional states, foster feelings of depression, and propagate a sense of hopelessness and despair. This deliberate propagation of harmful content is aimed at undermining individual well-being, eroding self-esteem, and inducing a state of psychological distress.

My fellow Pakistanis, the widespread dissemination of harmful content on Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram poses a significant threat to our collective well-being, and our ability to defend our country. These insidious campaigns can induce negative emotional states, exacerbate existing mental health conditions, and contribute to a pervasive societal atmosphere of despair. Furthermore, by undermining our morale and weakening our resolve, these tactics can compromise our national security. We must remain vigilant and recognize the tactics employed by those seeking to manipulate our emotions and undermine our mental health.

Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram targeted at Pakistanis have become a dangerous breeding ground for unrealistic comparisons. Our adversaries are using these apps to flood us with carefully curated, often fake, idealized images. This insidious tactic is designed to make us feel inadequate and worthless, crushing our self-esteem. Stay vigilant.

The algorithmic manipulation of social media is being used as a powerful weapon against us. Beware: these apps are engineered to prioritize and amplify content that triggers intense emotions like anger, fear, and despair. As a result, negative news, conflict-driven posts, and doom-filled narratives are being shoved in our faces, attempting to drown us in a sea of hopelessness.

Our adversaries are waging a psychological war on us by deliberately flooding our social media with lies and exaggerated negative news. This is not just misinformation – this is a calculated assault designed to create widespread panic, fear, and chaos. They are distorting our reality, painting everything in the darkest shades to break our spirit and make us lose hope. Beware of this treacherous game.

Here’s the reality: Pakistan will mark its centenary in 2047, just 23 years from now. According to a World Bank report titled ‘Pakistan@100: Shaping the Future’, “Pakistan can become a $2 trillion economy by the time it turns 100", which means achieving the status of an upper-middle-income country with a per capita income of $5,702. The World Bank estimates that Pakistan's potential annual exports could reach $88.1 billion based on its economic scale, development status, geographic isolation, and resource endowments.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), "Pakistan may have over 9 billion barrels of petroleum oil". At the current consumption rate, it would take us 45 years to exhaust this supply. Additionally, the EIA reports that "Pakistan holds sizable shale gas reserves of 105 trillion cubic feet (Tcf)," which would take 58 years to deplete.

Pakistan possesses significant renewable energy potential, with an estimated solar capacity of 2.9 million MW. Currently, only 530MW of this solar potential is being harnessed. Similarly, the country's wind energy potential is estimated at 346,000MW, while the installed wind power capacity stands at 1,248MW.

In the face of these dangerous digital mind games, we must not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the manipulative tactics of those who seek to sow despair and hopelessness. Pakistan’s future is rich with potential, from becoming a $2 trillion economy to harnessing vast energy resources that can power our nation for generations. All we need is three things: to stand united, resilient, and unwavering in our resolve. Our destiny is not one of despair but of progress and prosperity.

The writer is a columnist based in Islamabad. He tweets/posts @saleemfarrukh and can be reached at: farrukh15@hotmail.com