By Qusai Muhammad

November 21, 2024

Social media has transformed the way we form and maintain friendships, offering both opportunities for meaningful connections and challenges in building deeper, lasting bonds. Friendship has always been a crucial part of human experience, but in the digital age, its nature is changing. Social media has revolutionized how we connect with others, offering new possibilities for forming relationships across geographical boundaries. It allows us to build meaningful friendships despite distance, enabling interactions with people from all over the world. People are even merging their online and offline selves, creating more authentic, multidimensional friendships.

For those who face social challenges whether due to introversion, disabilities, or mental health struggles social media can serve as a crucial tool for building connections without the fear of rejection that often accompanies face-to-face interactions. Platforms designed for friendship-building help ease the difficulty of initiating contact, creating spaces where people can bond without the anxiety of direct social pressure. These digital spaces can be particularly helpful for people who might struggle to engage socially in more traditional settings, allowing them to form relationships based on shared interests and experiences, rather than on physical presence.

However, while social media allows us to expand our social circles, it does come with certain limitations. The human brain can only manage a certain number of truly close relationships. No matter how many people we interact with online, the number of deep, meaningful friendships we can maintain remains relatively stable. This is where social media can fall short. Though we may have hundreds of online friends or followers, these connections often lack the depth that face-to-face relationships offer. The shared experiences like attending a concert together or spending hours talking over coffee that form the foundation of strong bonds are difficult to replicate online. Liking a post, commenting on a picture, or sharing a meme simply doesn’t create the same sense of connection that sitting down with a friend and sharing a genuine moment does.

Despite these challenges, social media has undeniably transformed the way we create and nurture friendships. It allows us to connect with more people than ever before, providing new opportunities for interaction and connection that break down geographic and social barriers. However, these digital connections often come at the expense of depth. To truly cultivate lasting, meaningful friendships, we must find a balance between online engagement and offline, face-to-face time. Social media should complement real-world interactions, not replace them. Building genuine, lasting relationships requires effort, time, and shared experiences elements that cannot be fully captured in a digital format.

By Armeen Maqsood

Friendship has taken on a new shape in today’s digital age. With the rise of social media and online platforms, the way people connect has changed significantly, offering both exciting opportunities and notable challenges.

For those who find it difficult to engage in physical social settings—such as individuals with disabilities or introverts—online interaction serves as a lifeline. It allows them to connect with others in ways that were once impossible, fostering shared experiences and creating bonds despite physical barriers. Social media has also proven effective in overcoming loneliness, enabling people to form relationships irrespective of geographical constraints. Whether in the same city or across the world, online friendships dissolve the boundaries of distance and time.

Moreover, many people feel liberated online, expressing their true selves more authentically than they might in person. Social platforms also provide tools to keep track of friends, maintaining connections that might otherwise fade in our busy lives.

However, online friendship isn’t without its downsides. While connecting with many people online is easy, these relationships often lack the depth and emotional closeness of physical friendships. Spending too much time nurturing online connections can detract from the quality of in-person bonds, leading to a sense of superficiality. After all, managing more than a handful of relationships, whether online or offline, can be overwhelming.

Physical interactions remain the cornerstone of meaningful relationships. They offer opportunities for deeper emotional connections and create shared memories that last a lifetime. While the digital world excels in providing accessibility and convenience, it often fails to replicate the warmth and richness of face-to-face interactions.

The key to modern friendship lies in balance. Social media should complement, not replace, real-world interactions. By embracing the best of both online and offline connections, individuals can create fulfilling relationships that cater to their diverse needs.

Friendship may have evolved, but its essence remains the same: meaningful connection, trust, and shared experiences. Whether online or in person, it’s the effort and sincerity that truly matter.

• there are many negative aspects to the internet

• lonliness, low self esteem

• some people feel more authentic and comfortable online

• distance doesn't matter

• helps lonely people

• just as valid

• brings people together

text B:

• online friendships are large in number which are harder to maintain

• even the constants of your life shift

• unmanagable online

• shared experience in person

• synchronity

• real friendships take commitment,effort and connections

• investing time

• Not Having access to the same social life without social media

• Blaming/discriminate the internet

• Correlation between social media and loneliness

• You can meet people online that you end up cherishing the most

• People can feel the most authentic versions of themselves when online

• There is no way to easily distinguish between our real and online selves

• Slowly gaining the confidence to merge our online selves

• Social media is an important platform for friendship

• Life saviour for long distance friendships

• Befriending apps becoming more common

• Alleviating loneliness

• Being a help for first experiences for example, a new mum and finding friends when you move cities

• Technology bringing all connections together

• Takes away difficulty of usual social interactions

• Reduces chance of rejection

• Helping people with mental or physical health conditions for example, introverts, or any kind of physical disability such as deaf, mute or loss of limbs

• Easy on people that find social interactions terrifying

• Help us revive friendships

TEXT B

• Easy to keep track of people

• Having shared experience through liking and sharing

• Helping bond over the same interests

• Easy to invest in friendships with people

• Investing yourself too much in social media and social circles however, gives less time for actual true friends

• An average person can have upto 150 friends

• Makes us lack on the synchronicity of shared experience

• Easily keep up with lives of far more people

• Lacking deeper connections

Class:9N

Introduction Of My IR

Pakistan has vast tourism potential as of its dramatic and beautiful landscapes e.g  (Himalayas, Karakoram, and coastlines) and rich cultural heritage(1)(2). Yet its tourism sector remains underdeveloped compared to countries availing it in the best possible way. Recent estimates vary: official reports suggest tourism contributed about 5–7% of Pakistan’s GDP(3)(4) (including indirect effects), while direct contributions may be nearer 2–3%(4). In short, top tourism countires with economies beased on tourism like Switzerland see 9–10% of GDP from travel and tourism(5) .This review examines Pakistan’s tourism from global, national, and local perspectives, identifies barriers in it  and suggests actions for that

Focus Question: Does use of asteroids have a negative impact on young athletes?

INTRODUCTION:- In order to prevent excessive use of asteroids ,PED and blood doping , The World Anti-Doping Agency was formed to create a centralized , independent body to lead a collaborative worldwide doping free sport.

Blood doping is the injection of red blood cells, related blood products that contain red blood cells, or artificial oxygen containers. It is often used in extreme sports like cycling, snowboarding, and skiing where endurance is highly valued. The most famous example of this type of doping is Lance Armstrong's performance in the Tour de France.

PEDs help increase muscle mass which as shown by the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS states that, ' Reported effects of steroid use include an increase in muscle size, strength, and fat-free body mass, all of which are thought to improve athletic performance'.

However all of these have a negative impact on physical and mental health as stated in the same source, 'Premature hair loss in males, deepened voice in females, acne or pimples, and stretch marks. Additionally, athletes who use a needle to inject steroids may have pain at the injection site and risk developing an infection.' The mental side effects are; 'steroid users may become overly aggressive or combative, a condition commonly referred to as "'roid rage." Uncontrolled aggression causes some steroid users to become confrontational with friends and family; sometimes, they end up in trouble with the law.'

While some side effects of steroids may be just a nuisance, others may be fatal for the person's health. For example, using steroids has been associated with:

• Liver problems

• Heart problems

• Stroke

• Blood clots

• Cancer

  
  

  Parents, guardians and coaches should help young athletes understand that they can excel in sports without the use of steroids. There are alternatives too for meeting fitness and performance goals which include eating a proper diet, getting enough sleep, and having good overall mental and physical health.

Although the use of such techniques has resulted in enhanced and proved active performance, many have faced unwanted consequences which has ended their once thriving careers.

Introduction

The production of transportation has always played an important role in shaping a country’s economy. It helps an economy to grow by import and export throughout the whole world.For the longest time in history people used human power, animals, water and wheel transport to go from one place to another. In Around 3500 BC the first wheeled vehicles were used as a means of transportation of small loads, wheels were attached to carts and chariots. In 1886 the first car was invented.

    Since the invention of the first car, car ownership has transformed from 0 to becoming a staple in most households, with annual sales reaching over 80,000,000 units before the invention of modern electric vehicles. Households ownership spiked  from practically zero in 1900 to over 90% in many developed countries by the early 21st century. At the beginning of the 21st century people started gaining interest in the electric vehicle due to the growing concern over the problem of climate change which is caused because of the harmful gases released from the conventional vehicles and the advancements in technology.

The transportation industry is one of the biggest reasons for climate change in a country. Pakistan is among 10 countries most affected by climate change and I want to play an active role in combating this threat that my country is facing by researching on this topic of “Electric vehicles”.I found this solution the most effective and long term because Electric vehicles are eco-friendly and electric vehicles have potential to solve critical challenges faced by Pakistan in the 21st century continuing with conventional vehicles and ignoring all the problem cannot be a solution to all the challenges countries face including Pakistan.

LAW AND CRIMINALITY

For many years governments from all over the world ignore the fact that the

criminality rate is increasing and they don't have a proper law and order to fix this issue.law and criminality involve challenges in upholding justice, enforcing status and addressing crime rates, including cybercrime, terrorism and violence. "The main and key issue is the systematic inefficiencies such as poor investigation and prosecution

alongside social factors like inequality and and economic desperation. Other critical issues include racial disparities in policing and sentencing, the complexity transnational organized crime, and the protection of constitutional rights" Criminality refers to actions that break the law and are considered crimes.A crime is an act that harms people, property, or society and is punishable by law. Examples of crimes include theft, assault, and vandalism. When someone commits a crime, the legal system may punish themthrough fines, community service, or imprisonment.

The study of crime and criminal behavior is called Criminology

https://www.britannica.com/topic/crime-law

Topic :- education for all

Research question:- how can governments ensure equal education for all in rural areas ?

Introduction:-

Education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of personal and national development. Yet, millions of children worldwide, especially those living in rural areas, still face significant obstacles in accessing quality education. Many rural schools suffer from inadequate buildings, poor infrastructure, limited learning materials, and a shortage of trained teachers.

Students in these regions often have to travel long distances to attend school, which frequently leads to low attendance and high dropout rates. In addition, poverty and a lack of awareness about the importance of education, particularly for girls, further worsen the situation. These factors make it much harder for rural children to continue their studies.

This creates a persistent gap between urban and rural education systems. Rural students often have fewer opportunities to succeed academically and professionally compared to their urban peers. Global estimates show that children in rural areas are far less likely to complete their basic education, reflecting widespread inequality.

This educational disparity not only affects individuals’ futures but also slows down broader social and economic progress. Governments around the world must take urgent measures to ensure equal access to quality education for every child, regardless of where they live, to build a fairer and more prosperous society.

Topic: Transport,travel and tourism

Question: Has the aviation cost increased due to a rise in tourism?

The relationship between the tourism industry and aviation is a symbiotic one; as one grows, the other inevitably follows. However, in the context of a rapidly globalizing world, the surge in international tourism has become a double-edged sword. While it fosters cultural exchange and economic growth, the massive influx of travelers has directly contributed to rising aviation costs. This creates a significant global issue, affecting economic accessibility, environmental sustainability, and the stability of the travel industry.HoweverWhen aviation costs rise due to high demand in wealthy regions (like Europe or North America), it can "price out" travelers from visiting more remote, tourism-dependent developing nations.

The Economic Law of Demand

‎At its core, the rise in aviation costs is driven by the fundamental economic principle of supply and demand. As global tourism has exploded—driven by a growing middle class in emerging economies and the influence of social media—the demand for flights has often outpaced the ability of airlines to supply them.

The global aviation industry and the tourism sector share a deeply interconnected relationship, where the growth of one invariably fuels the expansion of the other. In recent decades, the explosion of international travel—driven by a rising global middle class and the digital "social media effect"—has transformed tourism into a primary engine of economic development. However, this surge in demand has brought a significant challenge to the forefront: the rising cost of air travel.

‎From a Global Perspectives standpoint, this is not merely a matter of more expensive vacation tickets; it is a complex issue involving economic supply and demand, the strain on international infrastructure, and the urgent global mandate for environmental sustainability. As the world becomes more mobile, the tension between the accessibility of travel and the rising operational costs of the aviation industry has become a critical debate for policymakers, economists, and travelers alike.

‎

Class: 9N

Pakistan has strong tourism potential because of its beautiful natural places like Himalayas, Karakoram mountains, long coastlines, and rich culture. But still, the tourism industry is not fully developed.

Tourism contributes about 5–7% of GDP (including indirect effects) and around 2–3% directly. In comparison, Switzerland earns around 9–10% of its GDP from tourism, so Pakistan is still behind.

Tourism is a big industry worldwide. It gives about 10% of global GDP and around 1 in 10 jobs.

Countries like Switzerland depend more on tourisim because of better planning, safety, and infrastructure. It contributes about 9.2% of GDP and 12.5% of jobs there.

Pakistan is starting to get more international attention from tourists. In 2024, it recieved about 1.7 million foreign tourists, while countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka got around 2.5 million each.

Still, global trend of exploring new and less crowded places and social media is helping Pakistan grow in tourism sector.

Tourism in Pakistan is slowly improving, especially after 2010 due to better security.

In 2022, it contributed about 5.9% to GDP. Domestic tourism is also growing fast, around 12% per year from 2021 to 2024.

It creates jobs in hotels, transport, and guiding services. Government has made some policies and improved visa rules, but coordination between provinces is still weak and managment is not very strong.

Earlier estimates show tourism added about $19.5 billion to the economy, showing its importance.

In places like Hunza, Swat, Kaghan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, tourism is increasing and helping local people earn income.

For example, Gilgit-Baltistan gets many visitors during cherry blossom season, which support small businesses.

But there are also problems like pollution, waste, and damage to nature. Roads and waste system is also not good in many areas.

So tourism helps local people but also create environmental issues.

Main problems are:

• Poor roads and infrastructure

• Weak planning and coordination

• Past security issues

• Environmental damage

• Weak international promotion

• Difficult visa process (earlier issue)

Effects

Positive:

Jobs for local people

Foreign income

Growth of local businesses

Negative:

Pollution and traffic

Overcrowding in tourist spots

Higher prices for locals

Damage to natural areas

Suggestions

Improve roads and hotels

Make tourism system more organized

Promote Pakistan internationally

Support eco-tourism

Train tourism workers

Involve local communities

Use online booking system

Conclusion

Tourism in Pakistan is growing and helping the economy, but it is still not fully developed compared to countries like Switzerland.

With better planning and improvement, Pakistan can become a strong tourism destination

because of its natural beauty and culture.