Speakers at a seminar have emphasized the need for responsible and ethical use of social media and urged young people to differentiate between the right and erroneous use of digital platforms in order to protect human dignity and social harmony.

They said that social media had become a powerful tool for information sharing and civic engagement, but its misuse could spread misinformation, hatred and violations of human rights.

This they said while addressing the seminar titled “Differentiating between right & erroneous usage of social media”, which was held in the Shaikh Ayaz Auditorium, Arts Faculty Building here on Tuesday. The seminar was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan to create awareness among students about human rights obligations and responsible online behavior.

In his presidential address, Sindh University’s Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Nanik Ram said universities played a vital role in shaping responsible citizens.

“Universities must equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with ethical awareness and digital responsibility,” he said and added that social media literacy was now an essential component of modern education, particularly for young people navigating the digital world.

He further remarked that academic institutions should actively promote awareness about human rights and responsible communication in society.

He stressed that students must develop critical thinking skills to verify information and use digital platforms responsibly to promote truth, tolerance and social awareness.

Delivering the keynote address, Director Regional Office of Human Rights Karachi, Ministry of Human Rights Muhammad Iqbal Pasha spoke on national and international obligations related to Human Rights.

“Pakistan is a signatory to several international human rights conventions, which require the protection of dignity, equality and freedom of expression,” he said.

He said that citizens must understand both their rights and responsibilities in the digital space.

He further noted that misinformation and online harassment could undermine democratic values and therefore must be addressed through awareness, education and legal safeguards.

An Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work, University of the Punjab Dr. Muhammad Arshad highlighted the social implications of digital platforms.

“Social media can be a powerful instrument for education and awareness if used responsibly,” he said and warned that unchecked sharing of unverified information could damage reputations and spread social conflict.

He urged students to develop media literacy skills and verify information before sharing it online.

An Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work, University of Sindh Dr. Erum Shah emphasized the role of universities in guiding young people and said youth empowerment began with education that encouraged critical thinking and ethical decision-making.

She noted that academia must guide students to use digital platforms for constructive dialogue, research and social advocacy.

She added that universities should organize more awareness programs to help students understand their social responsibilities in the digital age.

Earlier, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Human Rights, Islamabad Muddasar Altaf moderated the session.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Chairman Sindh University’s Department of Social Work Dr. Syed Faisal Hyder Shah followed by the distribution of certificates among participants and a group photograph.