We can reflect on where we are heading and what kind of life we truly wish to live
Shoiab Mohmmad Bhat
When we talk about today’s time, everyone is spending a significant amount of time on social media—whether it is children, young people, or even elders. Social media itself is not inherently harmful, but excessive use becomes detrimental, especially when it begins to affect our duties and responsibilities.
If I may say so, our family bonds are weakening day by day, and one of the primary reasons is social media. We often observe children and teenagers sharing their daily activities on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. Almost every moment of their lives is uploaded online. There appears to be little concern for privacy or social morality anymore.
Recently, I came across a video on social media that deeply troubled me. A girl expressed in her video that she desired a wealthy boyfriend—I will not mention her name—and hundreds of people were commenting on her post. In other instances, people share their daily routines: what time they wake up, what they cook, what they eat—everything is displayed online for public consumption.
As a Muslim community, we must ask ourselves: Is this right for us? What did our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his daughter Hazrat Fatima (RA) teach us about modesty and simplicity?
This issue is not limited to girls alone. Boys are also engaged in such activities. Some share inappropriate content, including pictures of their bodies during gym workouts, or even private moments, and engage in unnecessary chatting with others.
What is happening to us? Where are we heading as a society?
The Hidden Costs: Infertility And Unrealistic Expectations
A recent report revealed that Kashmir has one of the highest infertility rates in India. When we reflect deeply on this, we can connect it to our changing lifestyle. Social media has cultivated a culture of showcasing a luxurious life that is often far removed from reality.
People post pictures with expensive phones like iPhones, displaying them to their peer groups and influencing others’ mindsets. Yet the reality is different: many young people are unemployed or have limited income, yet they strive to present a rich and luxurious lifestyle online.
This creates immense pressure within society. It leads to stress, anxiety, and psychological issues. People begin comparing their real lives with the fabricated lives they see online, which profoundly affects their mental health.
As I mentioned earlier regarding infertility in Kashmir, doctors and experts, after analysis, have identified one of the major reasons as late marriage.
Again, a question arises: why are marriages being delayed?
What is the true meaning of marriage? It is not about having an online boyfriend or fulfilling temporary desires through social media.
We are living in a fast-paced world where many people attempt to satisfy their emotional needs online. Few seem ready for marriage. One reason is the lack of privacy in life, and another is the unrealistic expectation of a rich and luxurious lifestyle.
The Prophetic Path: Simplicity And Purpose
Pause and reflect on your own life. Strive to live simply, as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) taught us: “Simplicity is a part of faith” (Sadgi Eemaan Ka Hissa Hai).
In another hadith, he said: “Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveller passing by.” Such teachings guide us towards a balanced and meaningful existence.
I am not opposed to a wealthy lifestyle. My intention is merely to convey that whatever we do, we must act as responsible members of society. Our actions should reflect awareness, dignity, and accountability.
A Call For Conscious Living
Today, when we post anything online, we often forget that it never truly disappears. Once something is shared, it remains in some form. This makes it all the more important to think before we share.
I would suggest that we prioritise real-life connections. Spend time with family, sit with elders, and listen to their experiences—how they lived their lives. When we listen to them, we begin to understand the difference between their simple lives and our current lifestyle.
Through this, we can reflect on where we are heading and what kind of life we truly wish to live.
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