University Students’ Perspectives on Reducing Excessive Social Media Use and Strengthening Religious Values: A Qualitative Study in Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

While social media have been an integral part of the academic, social and personal lives of university students, their overuse and lack of regulation can interfere with religious activities, diminish focus and lead to exposure to unreliable or conflicting religious information. This is a qualitative study that aimed to investigate the views of university students regarding practical steps to be taken to reduce excessive use of social media and enhance religious values and practices. The responses were open-ended and were collected from the students of Bahauddin Zakariya University and The Women University Multan, Pakistan, and analyzed thematically. The results indicated that students suggested time management, screen-time restrictions, notification control, device-free prayers and study times, engaging in productive offline activities, and guidance from families, teachers and universities. To reinforce religious values, participants highlighted the importance of regular Namaz, recitation of the Quran, zikr, engaging religious education, guidance from qualified scholars, positive utilization of digital platforms, peer engagement, and community engagement, as well as the application of religious values in daily life. The results show that students were not in favour of complete withdrawal of social media, rather they wanted purposeful, disciplined and balanced use of social media. The study suggests that digital self-regulation, credible religious learning and institutional support can help university students to have a healthier digital lifestyle and to bolster their religious commitment.