Humans are social beings, evolving over time into their present form. Just as humans have evolved, so too have societies.
Years ago, life in a 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. 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, with people from all over the world able to communicate with one another in only 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 on the internet. However, it is not without its restrictions. Just like a coin, the internet has two sides. It has various limitations.
However, technology is value-neutral; its good and bad aspects are determined by how it is used. While the internet offers many benefits, 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 others. Online betting has been a significant source of concern, and it has been encouraged even by so-called national figures. Online scams, financial fraud, and cyberbullying are among the most common bad acts that occur throughout India.
The situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is identical. People use social media for a variety of reasons, but the majority of them are not in line with the social structure or lack morality. A large number of people are involved in internet betting and gambling; they spend hours and use all of their resources to find ways to make money through online betting. The problem is also becoming more prevalent among children.
Another frightening aspect is the drive for popularity, which has led to teenagers engaging in foolish and immoral behavior on the internet, particularly on Instagram through reels. People posing as influencers and content creators use social media to obtain followers by engaging in irrational, unproductive, and socially destructive behavior, causing the social setup to fail. This type of behavior is becoming more common as people’s desire for followers and instant celebrity drives them to reveal their true selves on social media.
However, none of these events occur at once. There are variables that motivate and sustain them for an extended period of time.
- There is an increasing amount of unemployment among young people, both educated and unskilled, allowing them the opportunity to choose alternate ways of earning.
- Economic slowdown – Even established firms are experiencing a recession and are looking for new ways to grow their brand, such as creating hilarious content for various social media platforms.
- Erosion of conventional social frameworks – The advent of a new period has precipitated the deterioration of existing social structures, resulting in individuals engaging in immoral behaviors without regard for ethical considerations.
- Rise of liberal ideology – Emerging Western culture and liberal ideology have instilled the concept of liberalism in the minds of young people, who prioritize themselves over their communities.
- Inadequate governmental oversight of the escalating activity.
- Greed for fame and thirst for money drive people to earn more while working less. Furthermore, the love for followers has played a significant role in the rise of this phenomenon.
Individuals thrive when society thrives, not the other way around. Society is what makes an individual’s existence worthwhile, and hence it is a fundamental structure. This fundamental framework, if undermined, ruins good living conditions. For a society to thrive, moral values and ethics must remain at its core. Educational institutions, families, and NGOs must work collectively to guide the youth toward responsible digital behavior. Only then can we balance the benefits of technology with societal well-being.
Malik Tufail
ma*************@***il.com