Let it be structural, or whatever that is. Gallup and Gilani Pakistan recently conducted a survey, noting social media usage in Pakistan. The highlight of the show was the structural gender inequality in Pakistan has paved its way on social media. Furthermore, 40% of Pakistanis use social media, out of which males stand 10% higher than women.
Ironically, weeks ago, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed the Senate Committee of Pakistan on the usage of VPNs in Pakistan. Moreover, they suggested partial blockage of VPNs across Pakitan. Meanwhile, a few senators even suggested taxing the IT sector over social media usage.
Also Read: PTA Seeks to Limit Usage of VPN, the Government Seeks to Tax Social Media
However, Gallup and Gilani surveys have revealed that only 40% of Pakistanis use social media. Most of them are under 30, In addition to it, people born in 1994, and after use social media platforms.
However, more disturbing is the gender disparity. Pakistan is a patriarchal society, however, this survey shows that females themselves aren’t moving forward. Moreover, the deduction is based on the mobility of telecommunication devices. In retrospect, online harassment is also an element to consider. Male usage stands 10% higher than female.
Previous statistics by DataReportal and NapolianCat showed Facebook had 47.35 million users in Pakistan, for July 2024. Simultaneously, Instagram has 17.3 million users, representing 8.1% of the 40%, total. Additionally, TikTok has its share, amounting to 54.38% of users.