Humans are social beings, evolving over time into their present form. Man’s role in society has also shaped it. Societies have evolved in the same way that humans have.
Years ago, life in society was simple, and people lived harmoniously, sharing their moments of happiness, excitement, and pain. People would meet on a regular basis to better understand one another and stay in touch. This period was marked by calm, unity, and the comfort of oneness. However, this changed with the emergence of contemporary technologies, particularly the internet.
The internet is an environment in which everyone is virtually connected, transcending traditional borders. This has transformed the entire world into a single village, where people from all over the world can communicate with one another in seconds. The internet has altered our lives and made them easier by providing vast amounts of information in a single location within a matter of seconds. Traditional markets have been surpassed by e-marketplaces, where global giants such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra operate. Even groceries can be purchased and sold online.
However, it is not without its limitations. Like a coin, the internet has two sides. While it offers numerous benefits, it also comes with various challenges.
Technology itself is value-neutral; its good and bad aspects are determined by how it is used. While the internet provides many advantages, concerns over its misuse are rising, particularly in areas like cyber fraud and online betting. India, in particular, has become a hotbed for unlawful internet activity. Financial fraud is at the top of the list, along with other crimes. Online betting has been a major source of concern and has even been encouraged by so-called national figures. Online scams, financial fraud, and cyberbullying are among the most common cybercrimes occurring in India.
The situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is no different. People use social media for various reasons, but the majority of them do so in ways that do not align with social values or morality. A large number of people are involved in online betting and gambling, spending hours and using all their resources to find ways to make money through online betting. This issue is also becoming more prevalent among children.
Another alarming trend is the obsession with popularity, which has led teenagers to engage in foolish and immoral behavior on the internet, particularly through Instagram reels. People posing as influencers and content creators use social media to gain followers by engaging in irrational, unproductive, and socially destructive behavior, ultimately damaging the social structure. This type of behavior is becoming increasingly common as the desire for followers and instant fame drives individuals to expose their true selves on social media.
However, none of these issues arise in isolation. Several factors contribute to and sustain them over time:
- Rising Unemployment – Both educated and unskilled young people struggle to find stable employment, leading them to seek alternative ways to earn money.
- Economic Slowdown – Even well-established businesses are experiencing recessions and are looking for new ways to expand their brand, such as creating humorous content for social media platforms.
- Erosion of Traditional Social Structures – The advent of a new era has led to the decline of existing social frameworks, resulting in individuals engaging in immoral behavior without concern for ethical considerations.
- Rise of Liberal Ideology – Western culture and liberal ideology have instilled a sense of individualism in young people, causing them to prioritize personal success over community well-being.
- Lack of Government Oversight – Insufficient regulation has allowed these activities to flourish.
- Greed for Fame and Money – The desire to earn more while working less, combined with an obsession with followers, has significantly contributed to this phenomenon.
Individuals thrive when society thrives, not the other way around. Society is what makes an individual’s existence meaningful, and it is, therefore, a fundamental structure. If this structure is weakened, it leads to the deterioration of good living conditions.
For society to flourish, moral values and ethics must remain at its core. Educational institutions, families, and NGOs must work collectively to guide young people toward responsible digital behavior. Only then can we balance the benefits of technology with the well-being of society.
The writer is pursuing a post-graduation in Political Science and International Relations
Malik Basit Amin
ba**********@***il.com