Balancing freedom and accountability

In recent times, the exponential rise of most social media content creators including YouTubers, in Jammu and Kashmir, has sparked concern among parents, educators, and community leaders. While digital platforms offer opportunities for creativity and expression, the content produced by many Kashmiri content creators is setting alarming precedents and standards, particularly for impressionable young minds.

The influence of these content creators extends far beyond entertainment; it permeates the fabric of society, shaping attitudes, values, and behaviours, especially among the youth. Unfortunately, much of this influence is negative, with a focus on uncivilized behavior, vulgarity, and the use of inappropriate language. Instead of fostering intellectual development and moral growth, these content creators propagate content that leads to mental decay and moral degradation.

In contrast to educational content available in other parts of India and the world, where young minds are nurtured with informative and enriching material, the youth in our region are being exposed to a barrage of negative stimuli. This exposure not only hampers their mental and intellectual development but also poses a threat to the moral fabric of society.

It is imperative for the government to intervene and regulate such content to protect the mental health and well-being of our children and the broader community. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it should not come at the expense of the greater good. Responsible regulation can strike a balance between freedom and accountability, ensuring that online content upholds moral integrity and societal values.

Moreover, the behaviour of many prominent content creators and YouTubers in Jammu and Kashmir warrants scrutiny. Instead of using their platform for positive influence and constructive engagement, many resort to sensationalism and shock value to garner views and followers. This trend not only perpetuates negative stereotypes but also reinforces harmful behaviours among impressionable audiences.

The impact of this phenomenon cannot be overstated. Like a virus spreading unchecked, it threatens to engulf our society in a never-ending cycle of moral decay and intellectual bankruptcy. If left unchecked, it could irreversibly alter the course of our collective conscience, eroding the very foundations of our cultural heritage and moral ideals.

It is incumbent upon all stakeholders – parents, educators, policymakers, and content creators – to take a stand against this corrosive trend. By promoting responsible content creation and consumption, we can safeguard the future of our youth and preserve the moral integrity of our society. Let us strive for a digital landscape that enriches minds, nurtures souls, and upholds the values that define us as a people.

By Imran Khurshid

Imran Khurshid is a senior research fellow at the Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir.