Sri Lanka, Oct. 30 -- By Umais Naveed

When I first encountered social media many years ago, it was largely known as a space for creativity and connection; a place where people came together through short videos, memes, and global trends.

What has truly inspired me since then is how that same creative energy has evolved into something far more impactful. Today, social media serves not only as a source of entertainment but as a bridge to learning, collaboration, and opportunity.

Across South Asia, I've seen first-hand how young people - from students and aspiring scientists to digital creators - are using these platforms to explore new ideas and deepen their understanding of the world around them. A teenager in a remote village can now w...