The National Institute of Psychology (NIP), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, proudly hosted the 10th International Conference on Cyberpsychology and Mental Health: Challenges, Trends, and Solutions on 28th -29th November 2024. This impressive two-day event showcased the transformative potential of cyberspace, highlighting its immense benefits, including enhanced connectivity, access to knowledge, digital therapies, and innovative tools for improving mental health and well-being. The conference celebrated the role of technology in fostering global collaboration and empowering mental health professionals to reach diverse populations through teletherapy and online support platforms.
The conference opened with an address by Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), who shared his insightful perspective on the digital revolution. He underscored the pressing need to address the adverse effects of technology misuse on young people, emphasizing the importance of guiding youth in discerning the positive and negative aspects of digital media. Prof. Ahmed stressed the urgency of developing culturally appropriate solutions to tackle societal changes brought about by the growing prevalence of digital platforms.
Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan (Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad) was the esteemed guest speaker in today’s conference. He highlighted several important points while addressing to participants including the need for digital wellbeing. He posed the moto that psychology department should be established in all the universities of the country including the technical universities as well due to growing mental health challenges faced by people. At the end he congratulated all the organizers for arranging such insightful conference.
Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal (Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad). He highlighted significant points during his address. He presented that according to the literature review 70-80 % of people need psychiatric assistance. The issues regarding cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyberbullying are very common. He highlighted that digital media has facilitated us a lot but we have become more isolated and technology dependent due to its growing use. He ended his address by commenting that it is easy to destroy and rebuild a city but it is very difficult to rebuild a nation if the minds are destroyed. At last, he thanked the organizers for having him in the conference.
Prof. Dr. Rubina Hanif, Director of NIP, elaborated on the dual aspects of cyberspace, recognizing both its opportunities and challenges. She emphasized the need for culturally sensitive interventions and unveiled plans to establish a dedicated Cyberpsychology Unit to address emerging mental health concerns in the digital era
Prof. Dr. Jamil A. Malik, the Chief Organizer of the event, celebrated the exceptional participation of researchers, noting the submission of 146 research papers, which demonstrated the growing interest in the burgeoning field of cyberpsychology. He lauded the collaborative spirit of the academic community and extended his gratitude to the conference’s sponsors.
Other distinguished speakers included Mr. Ali Asghar (Director General, NCHD) and Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti (Rector, Virtual University), both of whom delivered cutting-edge keynote addresses on emerging digital technologies and their impact on society.
The conference attracted leading psychologists, academics, and professionals from across Pakistan, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations. It was proudly sponsored by Transformation International, Pakistan Psychological Association, Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychologists, A.R. Brothers, and the Pakistan Institute of Life and Living. This landmark event not only highlighted the critical intersection of cyberpsychology and mental health but also paved the way for innovative approaches to addressing digital-era challenges.
Conference featured interesting scientific sessions and keynote addresses by leading psychologists.
A session Chaired by Dr. Farrah Malik and Dr. Sobia Masood, with Dr. Humaira Jami as the session in-charge, addressed digital technology’s impact on well-being. Topics ranged from perfectionism in digital hoarding to the psychological effects of cyberchondria, digital detox, and nomophobia. Notable presentations included studies on health anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and the influence of FoMO (Fear of Missing Out) on stress and depression. Concluding remarks emphasized proactive interventions to mitigate digital health challenges and foster resilience.
Another session, led by Dr. Najma Iqbal Malik and Dr. Haziq Mehmood, explored AI’s role in psychology and education. Highlights included the use of AI for bipolar disorder diagnosis, chatbots for emotional regulation, and AI-based tools for enhancing learning motivation. Studies also delved into youth perceptions of AI and its psychological implications, such as job displacement fears and ethical dilemmas. Ethical safeguards were emphasized to ensure AI enhances human dignity.
A different discussion, chaired by Dr. Syeda Salma Hassan and Dr. Rabia Khawar, focused on cybercrime’s psychological dimensions. Presentations examined cyberbullying, victimization, and the role of empathy in moderating online aggression. Research also addressed emotional loneliness, generational gaps, and cyber aggression’s socio-emotional aspects. Concluding discussions stressed the need for interdisciplinary strategies to address the psychological aftermath of cybercrime.
The Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychology (PACP) hosted a panel chaired by Dr. Saima Dawood and Dr. Salma Siddique, where experts explored the digital era’s influence on mental health and clinical psychology. The session highlighted culturally sensitive approaches to modern challenges, advocating for integrated methodologies to tackle evolving issues like cyberpsychology. Other speakers in the session included Dr. Uzma Masroor and Dr. Nazish.
Second day of the conference began with keynote speeches. Dr. Tahir Khaleli discussed how spiritual purification (Tazkia) could mitigate psychological issues exacerbated by media-induced envy and hypocrisy. Dr. Rukhsana Kausar addressed misinformation’s mental health effects, advocating media literacy and resilience through digital detox and critical thinking. Dr. Syeda Shahida Batool explored AI anxiety, emphasizing cognitive flexibility to foster positive AI perceptions. Later, a session moderated by Dr. Muhammad Syed Imran Bukhari highlighted digital challenges in psychological practices, emphasizing cultural sensitivities and multidisciplinary collaboration to adapt mental health services. This session was sponsored and involved personal of Pakistan Psychological Association. The experts included: Professor Dr. Rafia Rafique, Dr. Nayla Anjum, Dr. Aneela Maqsood, Ms. Rukhsana Mehmood, Professor Dr. Rabia Khawar, Dr. Ulfat Nisa, Ms. Ayesha Hidayat and Professor Dr. Rafia Rafique.
Another discussion, chaired by Dr. Tanvir Akhtar and Dr. Tamkeen Saleem, addressed digital stressors, sexting, and technostress. Studies revealed the psychological toll of technological advancements on relationships and work-life balance, urging resilience-building strategies. Meanwhile, a session chaired by Dr. Ume Laila and Dr. Sadaf Ahsan examined the dual effects of social media. Presentations highlighted phenomena like FoMO, phubbing, and the influence of peer pressure, with calls for interventions to promote healthy online behaviors.
Dr. Amina Moazzam and Dr. Shazia Khalid led a session delving into forensic cyberpsychology. Topics included cyberstalking, digital self-harm, and the role of narcissism in cybercriminal behaviors. Recommendations focused on clinical treatment strategies and cybersecurity awareness for young adults. The conference underscored the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research and innovation to address digital age challenges in mental health.