The Dark Side of Social Media in Kashmir
By: Er Aasyuf Ibn Farooq
Speak good or stay silent: Prophet Muhammad (SAW)…….Posting cringe, vulgar, and harmful content just for fame or intending to earn easy money is against Islamic manners.
Self-styled social media influencers have a moral responsibility. They are being followed by thousands and must be careful about what they post. They will be accountable before ALLAH (SWT).
It’s plain to see that Kashmir has fallen into the grip of a digital storm that’s spiralling out of control. With the COVID-19 boom in smartphone usage and internet accessibility, especially among children and teens, the region has witnessed a dramatic shift in the way people consume and create content.
What began as a window to the world has now become a double-edged sword, especially in the hands of some self-styled social media content creators and YouTubers who misuse these platforms to spread vulgarity, irrelevant content, and mindless challenges; all in the name of views and fame.
This content, instead of uplifting the community, is corroding the social fabric of Kashmir and planting seeds of irresponsibility among the youth. These content creators, knowingly or unknowingly, are steering young minds away from education, discipline, and cultural values, pushing them toward shallow entertainment that offers no long-term benefit.
Children, once given phones for online classes, are now glued to screens chasing viral trends, often neglecting their studies and personal development.
Even more alarming is the normalization of tasteless content, with accounts getting banned and then recreated, gaining massive followings in no time. This growing appetite for vulgarity and negativity stands in direct opposition to the teachings of Islam and the traditions of Kashmir, both of which emphasize modesty, dignity, and purpose. The silence of society only adds fuel to this fire. If we don’t speak out now, we risk losing not just our values, but also an entire generation.
Fortunately, voices like Advocate Muneer Najar, have risen to counter this wave, reporting offensive accounts and calling for a more responsible digital culture. His efforts need our full support. It’s not about pointing fingers, but about saving our community from a dangerous path.
A true Muslim should never spread indecent speech, use foul language, or insult others much of what is seen in today’s toxic influencer culture. We need Islamic scholars, preachers, parents, teachers, elders, and even the youth themselves to wake up, reflect, and act.
We should promote content that educates, uplifts, and reflects our faith and culture. It is Imperative to report content that pollutes minds and hearts. Social media isn’t the enemy; MISUSE is.
We must reclaim it as a tool for good. Together, we can build an online space that reflects the beauty, strength, and spirit of Kashmir. We should not allow cheap popularity to destroy rich values. Let us rise before it’s too late.
If these self-styled influencers truly understood the weight of their words and actions, they would fear Allah and rethink their content. Social media is not a playground; it’s a platform that can lead to either reward or ruin. As an Ummah, we must hold ourselves and others accountable, spread awareness, and encourage content that brings khair (good), not fitna (chaos).
(The author is an Automation and control Engineer based in KSA)
