Data shows 45% Pakistani men active on Instagram, TikTok compared to 35pc women

A new survey revealed that 60% of Pakistanis do not have accounts on social networking apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, meaning only two in five adults are active on social media.

The Gallup survey, conducted from June 28 to July 10, involved over 700 participants from both urban and rural areas across four provinces. 

It found that 40% of respondents have accounts on these social media platforms and are frequent users.

Social media usage is particularly high among Pakistan's youth, with 62% of those under the age of 30 being active on social media. In contrast, only 30% of Pakistanis over the age of 30 are active on these platforms.

According to the poll, 22% of Pakistanis said they have made friends online through these apps, while 76% reported not forming any online friendships.

The survey also highlighted a gender disparity in social media usage as 45% of men reported using Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, compared to just 35% of women.

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA's) 2024 Mobile Gender Gap report based on data collected in 2023, shows that in llow and middle-income countries, 78% of men use mobile internet, compared to 66% of women.

In Pakistan, 86% of men own mobile phones compared to only 53% women.

Moreover, only 33% of women have access to mobile internet compared to 53% of men.