In an era dominated by shallow content and fleeting attention, we risk losing an entire generation to the allure of quick gratification, neglecting personal growth, critical thinking and cultural values.
In simple terms, ideas become thoughts, and thoughts then become actions. When you see stupid content, your awareness shifts to that stupidity and eventually makes you engage in stupid actions.
Our lives have become deeply integrated with the digital world. Nearly every service, product, action, and piece of content is connected to the internet, making human resources an indispensable component. The reality is that we have tethered ourselves to the internet through unnecessary behaviours, such as the widespread habit of using smartphones. What is particularly striking is the dominance of short-form content—reels, shorts, and brief videos—that now saturate our digital consumption. The exponential rise of these snippets across social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, X, etc.—and even extending to professional networks has been nothing short of astonishing.
In Kashmir, like elsewhere, I have observed that we often come across reels/short videos unintentionally, with some content coming alarmingly close to nudity. It feels as though we are just one step away from the peak of nudity, “porn.” Many of the reels featuring Kashmiri girls/women (our sisters) have reached a point where they can no longer be comfortably watched in the presence of family members. Additionally, numerous Facebook/Instagram pages regularly upload content that is lacking in moral standards, further contributing to this troubling trend. Reels take away our attention, and not just children but now adults and mature people are caught up in reel culture. Just look around you: gyms are full of bros and sisters who are more interested in publicizing their physiques rather than being serious about actual gains. It is not only in gyms, but in schools, administrative offices, courts, offices, public places, and even toilets. This is further fueled by the rapid increase in the number of vloggers, which has led to a surge in reels/short videos that lack meaningful content and are filled with trivial or pointless activities. The rapid proliferation of content from these vloggers has overshadowed genuine vloggers, making their work seem irrelevant. As the focus shifts toward more attention-grabbing but shallow content, quality vloggers with meaningful contributions are often lost in the noise.
Content creators in Kashmir often upload reels/short videos that focus on sensational and provocative themes designed to drive higher engagement. The widespread sharing of content featuring nudity or objectification undermines healthy perceptions of boundaries and reinforces a culture where such objectification is trivialized. The continuous cycle of viral content has significant psychological impacts, placing emotional strain on both creators and viewers. This atmosphere of potential public scrutiny and shaming leads to heightened anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, particularly affecting young users. Continuous exposure to superficial and damaging content impairs the development of critical thinking and discernment, making it challenging for young people to differentiate between authentic, constructive content and harmful sensationalism.
As Kashmiris, we must reflect on the alarming reality that we are at risk of losing an entire generation to the pervasive influence of the reel/short video culture. The rise of social media, particularly reels and short videos, has shifted the focus of people (of all age groups) away from meaningful pursuits, with little regard for long-term goals or personal growth. In this era of instant gratification, there is a growing tendency toward mediocrity, as individuals prioritize fleeting attention over sustained effort. Many are unaware of how these platforms rob them of their time, focus, and energy, causing them to miss out on the most productive years of their lives. The relentless consumption of trivial content often replaces the drive to build skills, pursue education, or engage in constructive activities, leaving youth vulnerable to the distractions of a digital world that offers little in return for their time.
Short-form content is designed for quick consumption, which negatively impacts children’s ability to focus on longer, more complex tasks. The constant stimulation from fast video transitions and flashy effects can shorten attention spans, making it harder for children to engage in deep thinking or sustained focus. This decline in attention span affects their academic performance and hinders the development of critical thinking skills. As we all know, reels do not prioritize educational value or factual accuracy. Misinformation and oversimplification are common, leading to a distorted understanding of various subjects and perpetuating misconceptions. Without proper guidance, children may find it difficult to differentiate between credible sources and sensationalized, misleading content, which directly impacts their ability to form accurate and informed views.
Learning through reels offers ready-made knowledge, which contrasts with learning through real experiences, hard work, and innovation. This quick consumption of information reduces the habit of reading books and engaging in deeper, more thorough learning. Additionally, the knowledge gained from reels is often unverified and lacks the depth or credibility that comes from more traditional educational methods. The creation of reels often distracts children from pursuing higher or professional education, as they may become more focused on the immediate monetary benefits and the allure of an idealized “white-collar” job. This shift in priorities can undermine their long-term educational goals, leading them to prioritize quick gains over the sustained effort and qualifications required for meaningful careers.
As responsible individuals, we must become role models for our children. Unfortunately, we often engage in common but concerning habits, such as using smartphones before bed, before meals, or even during interactions with friends. Instead of focusing on more meaningful activities, we end up consuming unnecessary content, often trivial or indigenous, through reels. We could be using this time to read books, educate ourselves or our children about current affairs, connect with our families—especially parents—or nurture our friendships. Alternatively, we could channel this time into developing business ideas or exploring new opportunities. Instead, we find ourselves distracted by content like “running of the bulls,” wasting precious time. After spending 20 minutes on it, we move on to another trivial activity, continuing this cycle every day.
Being Muslim, we have a unique responsibility and a unique mechanism to protect our young generation from the harmful effects of modern digital distractions, including the reel culture, by aligning our actions with Islamic values and principles. By actively guiding our children, we must become positive role models. We can help them navigate the digital world responsibly and ensure they stay focused on their education, values, and personal development. Simultaneously, it can be difficult, especially with the constant presence of digital distractions and the widespread influence of social media. But with consistency, patience, and open communication, we can mitigate negative effects. By leading with empathy, setting clear boundaries, and offering guidance, we can enable them to make more thoughtful and responsible choices in their approach to technology use.
Genuine talent doesn’t require nudity; instead, it envelops and transcends it through genuine skill and creative expression. This shift in focus moves beyond superficial provocation, cultivating a digital landscape where true artistry prevails and deeper, more respectful engagement is nurtured.
The writer works in the Education Department
By Rayees ul Islam
ra************@***il.com