Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
29 December 2024 | 17:44 CAT

Zakkirah Loonat shares insights on fostering healthier social media habits in 2025 – empowering individuals to create balanced and mindful online experiences.

In an era of digital connectivity, cultivating healthier social media habits has become essential. Zaakirah Loonat, an educational psychologist with over 15 years of experience, shares insights into this pressing concern as we approach 2025.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Loonat highlighted the profound influence of social media on our daily lives, spanning attention spans, emotional behaviours, and self-perception. “Social media impacts time, behaviour, and personality traits,” she noted, emphasizing its significant effects on dopamine pathways, which influence pleasure, memory, and addiction.

The growing concern extends to teenagers and preteens, whose brain development is particularly sensitive to digital exposure. Loonat explained that excessive scrolling, gaming, and social media interactions can affect the mesolimbic and neocortical pathways of the brain, shaping pleasure-seeking behaviours and emotional regulation.

Data from recent years indicates that daily social media usage has skyrocketed, underscoring its pervasive role in education, work, and leisure. However, Loonat warned that push notifications and targeted advertising often exacerbate issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. “Individuals frequently compare themselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy, alienation, and even self-harm,” she said.

To address these challenges, Loonat advocates for mindful social media practices. She stressed the importance of balancing online and offline interactions, setting boundaries, and aligning digital behaviour with personal values. “Am I presenting myself online the same way I do offline? Authenticity and intention are key,” she advised.

Islamic principles also offer valuable guidance. Loonat urged individuals to consider the morality and sincerity of their online actions, emphasizing accountability and modesty. “Would this post please my Creator? Am I respecting others’ rights by seeking consent before sharing content?” she questioned.

As digital addiction grows, likened to “digital cocaine,” Loonat called for awareness of its impact on the brain’s reward systems. Individuals can navigate the digital age with balance and integrity by fostering self-discipline, intentionality, and ethical behaviour.

For 2025, the message is clear: social media should enhance, not hinder, our lives.

Listen here to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Habib Bobabt and Zakkirah Loonat, an educational psychologist.