DIGITAL DILEMMA
Every invention holds the power to build or destroy, to uplift or corrupt. The question is not what the internet can do, but what we have allowed it to become. When 4G internet was introduced in Kashmir, who could have foreseen the chaos it would bring? Once known as ‘Pir Waer’ (abode of saints) and Firdous Bar-Rooh Zameen (paradise on earth), Kashmir has now become a place where young people dress immodestly and perform for millions online.
Who could have imagined that Kashmiri youth would engage in unethical activities—mocking others, spreading misinformation and profanity, promoting gambling, and encouraging immoral behavior—all for financial gain? In the process, people, especially parents, have become desensitized to these changes.
Throughout history, Allah (SAW) has blessed humanity with knowledge and intelligence to create innovations that improve life. However, in every era, some individuals misuse their intellect, strength, and influence for selfish desires, causing more harm than good to society. No human being enters this world by accident; every individual has a purpose. Similarly, no human invention—whether scientific or social—exists by mere coincidence; it is part of divine design. It serves as a test: Will we use these innovations for the benefit of humanity, or will we exploit them for personal gain?
Take the example of the internet and social media. While they offer countless benefits, they also bring significant harm. The real test lies in how we choose to use them—for progress or destruction. The internet has turned the world into a global village, revolutionized education, expanded business opportunities worldwide, and advanced technology in various fields. However, it has also introduced data breaches, scams, online harassment, misinformation, and privacy violations, making personal security nearly non-existent.
The younger generation, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, has become addicted to social media. In Kashmir, children who should be holding books and pens are instead glued to mobile screens—not for learning, but for making short videos. And we are all aware of the kind of content they create. While a 20-year-old activist in Sweden, Greta Thunberg, uses social media to raise awareness about environmental crises and human rights violations, many young people in Kashmir use it to promote indecency under the guise of content creation.
Despite thousands of YouTubers in Kashmir, much of their content remains repetitive—mocking others for views, ridiculing those struggling with mental health issues, using vulgar language in the name of comedy, and encouraging unethical behavior. Such actions are not only inappropriate but also have profoundly negative consequences for society.
Self-proclaimed bloggers appear on screens merely to showcase their daily lives—what they eat or where they walk. These so-called influencers fail to recognize the power they wield—the ability to inspire, educate, and represent Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage to the world. They could use their platforms to highlight real political and social issues in Kashmir, yet they choose not to—because their focus is on personal gain.
In their pursuit of money, they compromise their faith, dignity, and self-worth. While they do influence people, they do so in the wrong direction. By promoting betting apps, fraudulent schemes, and deceptive practices, they may profit in the short term, but they fail to see the long-term damage they are causing—harm that will eventually affect their own children. By endorsing sensationalism and immoral content, they are leading the next generation toward destruction.
The greatest responsibility lies with parents. Under societal pressure, children as young as ten are being pushed into social media stardom. These are kids who lack the maturity to distinguish right from wrong. Teenagers post inappropriate content—material so cringeworthy that it is embarrassing to watch. Parents must monitor their children’s online activities, at least until they reach adulthood. They should be aware of what their children consume and share on social media. If their child is a content creator, parents must ensure they promote a responsible and positive message. Ultimately, parents will be held accountable for their children’s actions. A child’s deeds serve as ‘sadaqah jariyah’ (continuous charity) for their parents, whether good or bad.
Social media is a powerful tool that should be used to spread knowledge, skills, and experiences that add value to society. But in Kashmir, the reality is quite the opposite. Many social media influencers produce content lacking depth or purpose. Some boys, in their pursuit of views and likes, even dress as girls—and, even more concerning, when they create vulgar content under disguise, they attract greater attention.
As consumers, we are also responsible. We follow these influencers, engage with their content, and indirectly encourage them to continue their unethical behavior. We must remember that one day, we will all stand before Allah and be held accountable. Those creating such content are already jeopardizing their afterlife—but do not let them influence yours. Do not support them by watching or engaging with their content. We must be mindful of what we consume—not just for our own sake, but for the well-being of society as a whole. It is our collective duty to make better choices and promote a more meaningful and responsible use of social media.
Our online choices echo far beyond the screens—we will be held accountable, if not by society, then by Allah (SWT). The question is: will we use this power to uplift, or to destroy? And the answer lies in not being too coy to stop them from destroying us and themselves.
(The Author is Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora. Feedback: [email protected])
