How social media, smartphones and AI are reshaping identity, aspirations and societal values in the modern era
Gul Tabina
We are living in the era of modern technology, where almost every aspect of life is influenced by digital advancements. From smartphones and the internet to artificial intelligence (AI) and social media, technology has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. The younger generation, particularly Generation Z and Millennials, is the most affected by these changes.
The Dual Impact of Technology on Society:
Technology was created to make life easier, to gain knowledge about the world, to learn new things, to expand businesses, and to spread social awareness. However, instead of just serving these purposes, technology has taken our lives in a completely different direction.
Social media and its impact:
One of the biggest examples of this shift is social media. We live in a corrupted world where social media is considered a platform for people to testify to their truth. However, it is increasingly being misused for the wrong purposes. Truth is distorted into lies, and lies are presented as truth. Reality is manipulated in such a way that innocent people are forced to struggle.
All for the sake of money, everything is twisted and reshaped, altering its very existence. This manipulation has engulfed the entire world today, making it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated. Instead of being a medium for honesty, social media has become a tool for deception and exploitation.
Many individuals gain fame and recognition without real effort, while others work tirelessly but still fail to achieve success. This imbalance has forced people to look for shortcuts, leading to unethical practices and misguided aspirations.
The influence of social media has also led people to blindly follow influencers, sometimes getting involved in harmful activities. The obsession with unrealistic beauty standards has pushed many to undergo unnecessary plastic surgeries, often damaging their natural selves in pursuit of an artificial ideal. The pressure to look perfect, to fit into certain trends, and to gain validation from others has become a dangerous cycle.
Use of smartphones:
While technology has undoubtedly brought many benefits, its misuse has created several societal challenges. One of the most concerning aspects is the excessive and unchecked use of smartphones, especially among children. Instead of receiving emotional and moral guidance from their parents, children are handed smartphones under the guise of education and learning. Without proper supervision, they get exposed to inappropriate content that can severely impact their mental and emotional well-being.
Today, smartphones provide access to vulgar content and explicit material that can corrupt young minds. Children are exposed to adult themes at an early age, leading to premature psychological maturity that they are not equipped to handle. This exposure often results in anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. When children need emotional support from their families, they instead turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that can destroy their lives.
Without proper guidance, young minds are led astray, engaging in activities such as drug abuse and early sexual involvement. The pursuit of momentary pleasure leads them down dangerous paths, ultimately ruining their futures. Moreover, young girls often fall victim to cyberstalkers who manipulate and exploit them, pushing them into harmful and degrading situations. Such predatory behaviour leads to increased harassment, abuse, and even cases of suicide as victims struggle to escape the emotional and psychological trauma.
The easy access to explicit content, combined with the growing influence of digital addiction, has contributed to the rise of heinous crimes such as rape and sexual violence. The normalization of such content desensitizes individuals, creating a society where respect and morality are compromised. Drug abuse has also become more prevalent, as individuals seek escape from their emotional turmoil through substance dependency.
The uncontrolled use of smartphones is not just a minor issue—it is a growing crisis. Parents and society as a whole must take responsibility for guiding the younger generation. Instead of allowing technology to dictate lives, it should be used responsibly, ensuring that its benefits are maximized while its dangers are minimized. Without proper intervention, the consequences could be catastrophic, leading to a generation lost in the chaos of digital addiction, moral corruption, and psychological devastation.
In the past, using bad language was considered misbehaviour and was frowned upon. However, nowadays, people often begin their conversations with swear words. Many even use vulgar language as a way to appear “fun” or “cool”. This shift can be attributed to certain programs and shows that normalize the use of such language. As a result, people, especially younger generations, get influenced by these trends and start using inappropriate words in their everyday lives. The constant exposure to these shows that encourage bad language leads to the glorification of such behaviour without considering the negative impact it has on society. This influence can degrade societal values and promote unhealthy communication habits.
Such content, if not critically assessed, continues to thrive, shaping the way individuals speak and behave in social settings. It’s crucial for us to understand the long-term effects these shows have on our culture and how they can alter the social norms we follow.
We are living in an era where the digital world has significantly influenced human thinking and understanding. Smartphones and social media platforms have introduced a new perspective where fame and publicity have become the ultimate goal. People, in their quest to go viral and earn money, engage in actions that shake their very identity.
Platforms like TikTok and similar applications have become widely used today, where individuals, in pursuit of views and likes, make a mockery of their own dignity and existence. Despite being a unique creation, humans often get inspired by this fake era instead of recognizing their true qualities. Every person possesses some special talent, but when they fail to exercise their inherent abilities, they get suppressed.
Today’s trends are filled with practices where removing clothes is considered fashion, and people exhibit their bodies under the pretext of earning money. The question arises-does this bring real happiness? Is gaining fame the true essence of joy? Deep down, individuals remain restless because they have lost their true identity.
Instead of being influenced by this fake era, we should focus on recognizing our true qualities, nurturing our talents, and enhancing our capabilities. Navigating the digital world wisely while preserving our authentic identity is the real success.
The Influence of Fantasy Worlds on Real-Life Aspirations:
Many fantasy series create scenarios that deeply influence people, drawing them into a world that does not exist. These fictional universes often depict magical powers, supernatural beings, or utopian societies, which captivate audiences and make them momentarily forget the realities of their own lives. While such escapism can be entertaining and even inspiring, it becomes problematic when individuals lose sight of their real goals and immerse themselves too deeply in an illusionary world.
The danger lies in the fact that some individuals start prioritizing these fictional worlds over reality. They may detach from their responsibilities, neglect their ambitions, and fail to engage with the real challenges of life. This obsession can hinder personal growth and progress, as they become more invested in an unattainable fantasy rather than striving for real-world achievements.
However, when approached correctly, fantasy can also have a positive impact. It fosters creativity, enhances imagination, and even provides motivation to pursue dreams in the real world. Many great innovations and artistic works have been inspired by fictional concepts. The key is to maintain a balance—enjoying fantasy as a form of entertainment while remaining grounded in reality.
Ultimately, while fantasy worlds can provide an escape, they should never replace the real world. True success and fulfillment come from facing real challenges, setting meaningful goals, and working towards them. Fictional stories should serve as inspiration, not a substitute for real-life aspirations.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Identity and Health:
Human beings are unique creatures, and no one can truly replace them. Each person has their own essence, emotions, and experiences that define their identity. However, we are witnessing a rapidly advancing shift with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Robots are now being brought in to perform human tasks, with some even being granted citizenship. Originally, technology like AI and robotics was designed to ease human life by automating repetitive tasks and making processes more efficient. But, with these advancements, an important question arises: Is humanity slowly losing its essence?
The integration of robots and AI into roles traditionally held by humans has led to concerns about identity. Are we, by creating machines that replicate human capabilities, erasing the very qualities that make us human? The idea of building “duplicates” of ourselves through machines could potentially signal a loss of human uniqueness. Is this shift a warning sign that we are drifting further away from what makes us human, losing ourselves in the process of making life easier?
In addition to the existential questions surrounding AI, there has also been a noticeable increase in diseases in recent years. In the past, many of the illnesses we see today were far less prevalent. What has changed? One significant factor could be our over-reliance on technology and convenience. As our lives become more automated and everything—from shopping to work—becomes available with the click of a button, we have become less physically and mentally engaged. Online shopping, food delivery, remote working, and entertainment without effort are all examples of how technology has transformed our daily routines. While these conveniences may seem harmless, they have profound effects on both our mental and physical health.
Mental health, in particular, has been affected by the ease and convenience of modern life. The reliance on technology can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of real-world social interaction, and increased stress due to information overload. Similarly, physical health is suffering as we spend more time sitting in front of screens and less time engaging in physical activities. Obesity, stress, and other lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise, and these issues were not as widespread in earlier times when human life was more active and manual.
As we become more dependent on technology to simplify our lives, we must take a step back and reflect on the consequences. The balance between convenience and health is delicate. The easier we make our lives, the more we risk losing our connection to the physical world and to one another. It’s crucial to consider how these advancements are reshaping not only our identity as human beings but also the overall well-being of society.
Conclusion:
Modern technology has brought both advantages and challenges to today’s generation. While it has improved education, communication, and job opportunities, it has also led to addiction, mental health problems, and privacy risks. The key is to use technology wisely—balancing its benefits while minimizing its negative effects.