Karachi Symposium to spotlight screen impact on youth mental health

KARACHI: As concerns continue to grow globally over the psychological impact of digital media on young people, Karachi is set to host a major interdisciplinary symposium aimed at addressing the complex relationship between media consumption, creativity, and mental wellbeing.

The Center for AI Digital Arts & Creative Design (CADC) has announced the inaugural edition of CreateCon 2026 | Mind the Screen: Youth, Media, and Mental Health, scheduled to take place on May 15, 2026, at Auditorium 01, Salim Habib University (SHU), Karachi.

The event is expected to bring together a distinguished group of educators, media professionals, creative leaders, researchers, and mental health advocates to examine how rapidly evolving digital environments are influencing the emotional, cognitive, and social development of today’s youth.

Organisers describe the symposium as an important platform for promoting dialogue between the creative industry and public health stakeholders at a time when excessive screen exposure, algorithm-driven content, and digital dependency are increasingly becoming subjects of global concern.

“The influence of media on our society is no longer just about information—it’s about the environment in which our youth grow,” said Prof. Dr. Jamshed Butt, Director of CADC.

According to the organisers, the event aims to explore how digital storytelling, media design, artificial intelligence, and online engagement can be shaped more responsibly to support healthier psychological outcomes for younger generations.

“CreateCon 2026 is a call to action for designers, educators, and health professionals to collaborate on a healthier digital future,” said Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder, Vice Chancellor of Salim Habib University.

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The symposium comes amid rising international concern over the impact of social media pressure, digital overstimulation, cyberbullying, online addiction, and misinformation on youth mental health. Experts worldwide have increasingly called for collaborative approaches involving educators, technology developers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and media creators.

Consultant Talib Haider said the broader “Mind The Screen” initiative seeks to encourage meaningful conversations around mental health awareness in Pakistan.

“Mind The Screen campaign aims to promote mental health awareness in Pakistan. Youth is the driving force of any nation and it is important that we speak about the challenges today for a better tomorrow,” he emphasized.

The event will also highlight the growing role of ethical media practices and responsible digital innovation in shaping healthier online ecosystems, particularly for younger audiences navigating social platforms and AI-driven content environments.

Event details

• Event: CreateCon 2026 | Mind the Screen: Youth, Media and Mental Health
• Date: May 15, 2026
• Venue: Auditorium 01, Salim Habib University, Karachi
• Host: Center for AI Digital Arts & Creative Design (CADC)

About CADC

The Center for AI Digital Arts & Creative Design (CADC) focuses on the intersection of emerging technologies, digital creativity, and ethical innovation. The institution works to integrate traditional design thinking with modern AI-powered creative tools while encouraging socially responsible digital practices.

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