An illusionary world of likes and shares
In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, where tranquil lakes and snow-capped mountains serve as the natural setting for daily existence, this unique landscape always remains a source of inspiration for all local inhabitants, travelers, writers, and spirituality lovers. Unfortunately, our young generation is turning a blind eye to all these blessings and deviating from the right path which is the more subdued but concerning trend i.e., the emerging addiction of our youth to social media. They are more obsessed with the virtual world than with the real world. For many, what was once a means of communication and expression has become a devouring force that shapes relationships, lifestyles, and mental health.
Like their contemporaries throughout the world, Kashmiri adolescents have jumped on social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat with gusto. Especially in an area where access to a variety of options can be restricted, these digital places provide entertainment, education, and opportunities for social contact. However, alarming trends of addiction are emerging as a result of this increased use of social media.
Social media sites are made to grab your interest, keep you online, and make you constantly check your screen for new content. Businesses rely on it to generate revenue. Similar to compulsive gambling or addiction to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine, social media use can lead to psychological cravings. A positive response to a post, such as a like or share, might cause dopamine to be released in the brain. Dopamine is the same “reward” chemical that is released, for instance, after winning at a slot machine, eating chocolate, or starting a cigarette. You will want to spend more time on social media if you receive more rewards, even if it starts to negatively impact other areas of your life.
Humans are social animals by nature, and they thrive on deep connections that have a big impact on their general happiness and mental health. Strong social ties have been shown to lower stress, anxiety, and depression, boost happiness, improve self-esteem, and even lengthen life expectancy. However, a lack of these relationships can negatively affect mental and emotional health.
To close social gaps in the current digital era, a lot of people use social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (previously Twitter). The value of in-person human interaction cannot be replaced by digital platforms, even while they provide chances for connections. Communicating face-to-face releases vital chemicals that reduce stress and promote optimism. Ironically, an over-reliance on social media—a platform meant to foster connections—can exacerbate sentiments of isolation and loneliness, aggravating mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
The practice of scrolling late at night, also known as “impending doom,” exacerbates these problems for many people. Sleep deprivation, for example, has been an increasing concern among Kashmiri youth. Using social media late at night throws off sleep cycles, which results in exhaustion, subpar academic results, and decreased productivity.
Ironically, social media tends to promote loneliness even if it offers connection. As young people favor internet contacts, real-life relationships are marginalized. The declining quality of family contact and the lack of emphasis on academics and extracurricular activities are common complaints raised by parents and educators.
The distinctive cultural legacy of Kashmir, which places a strong focus on unity and community, is also being impacted. As young people turn to their devices, traditional pursuits like storytelling, neighborhood sports, and handcrafted crafts are becoming less popular. Even if the digital revolution is unavoidable in today’s globalized society, it raises concerns about how Kashmir’s rich cultural identity will be preserved.
A multifaceted strategy is needed to address social media addiction. Digital literacy initiatives that teach students how to identify and manage the consequences of excessive social media use must be implemented in Kashmiri schools and institutions. To establish limits and promote offline activities, parents are essential. We must discover new means of communication, particularly through more in-person methods. We must make phone calls rather than text messages to friends and family and spend time with friends rather than on social media. Spending our leisure time with our loved ones, friends, and family is more important than using these social networking sites if we want to be content and happy.
Broadly speaking, youth-focused mental health awareness initiatives ought to be started to de-stigmatize getting treatment for addiction and associated mental health conditions. As alternatives to screen time, NGOs and neighborhood associations might plan community gatherings that highlight traditional Kashmiri sports, music, and art.
It’s critical to strike a balance between the digital and the actual world as technology gets more and more integrated into daily life. While social media is a useful tool for connecting, informing, and entertaining people, excessive use of it can cause harm, disinformation, and alienation. The young people of Kashmir possess the ability to use social media responsibly while maintaining their individual identities and mental health because of their adaptability and resilience.
Individuals who spend more time on social media will become more socially isolated. Additionally, this may cause you to feel less satisfied and happy. People enjoy making comparisons with one another, particularly on social media. According to studies, the majority of people acknowledge that it makes them envious when they see others exhibit their material belongings, travel, and enjoy wonderful vacations. Social media may become a breeding ground for hate speech as a result. Even a few hours without internet access is impossible for a social media addict to survive. Anxiety will make them decide to go to locations with internet access.
In my opinion, technology is not designed to squander our time or reduce our productivity; rather, it is intended to assist us in moving forward. Although social media can be an excellent platform for connecting with others, we must also recognize the value of face-to-face interactions. We are now these social networking businesses’ slaves and puppets. We act in the ways that these social media networks’ tycoons desire. We listen to what they want us to listen to. When they want us to see something, we do. What they want us to say, we say. These tycoons of social media even govern our thoughts. We behave in the manner that we desire. It is these tycoons who are programming us. We are no longer the social creatures that we once were. We should be in charge of using these online social media sites as a tool, not allowing them to steal away our valuable time or take over our lives. When checking social media, we must carefully reschedule. We can access it only twice a day rather than at random to look for new likes, posts, or changes. This needs to be controlled, much like a digital diet, to reduce our intake, much like a food addict who wants to eat less.
Now is the moment to take action before the priceless essence of Kashmiri youth and culture is lost to the digital flow.
The author is a PhD scholar at University of Kashmir
