Sobia Shahzad

Basic Information

Brief Statement of research work

My research focuses on social media communication, digital culture, and the societal impacts of online platforms, particularly among youth in Pakistan. During my PhD, I examined how social media shapes political participation. Additionally, my research also explored the dimensions of public opinion, consumer behavior, and psychological well-being in digital environments. My further research has explored the role of online social capital and social media influencers in promoting political engagement and activism among youth, highlighting how digital networks shape opinion formation and civic participation. I also studied social media adoption in areas such as tourism promotion and micro-enterprise communication, analyzing how technological and innovation factors influence digital media usage. Another important strand of my research investigates the psychological and social effects of social media use, including issues such as body image, social anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and feelings of inferiority among young users, particularly in relation to platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In addition, my work addresses misinformation and challenges in digital communication, contributing to discussions on the dynamics of fake news and online information ecosystems, and I want to further explore these dimensions in my future research. Overall, my research contributes to the broader field of digital media studies, social media communication, and youth engagement in the digital age, with a focus on understanding the opportunities and challenges created by emerging communication technologies.