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any of the youth nowadays are spending too much time on social media, far surpassing the habits of any previous generation. From the first light of dawn until the late at night, the glow of smartphone screens illuminates their faces as they scroll through an endless stream of posts, videos and stories. While these platforms—including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook—promise connection, inspiration and global perspectives, they have also caused a silent crisis: a widespread alienation of the youth from their cultural roots and a significant erosion of personal identity.
Some surveys indicate that young adults spend an alarming 7 to 9 hours a day engaging with the social media. Although many see this as harmless entertainment, experts warn that the excessive focus on online content is causing young people to lose touch with their traditions, languages and essential family values. The curated images of seemingly perfect lives, popularised on social media, often lead young users to feel compelled to emulate these idealised versions of reality to gain acceptance among their peers. Consequently, they may come to view their cultural expressions—traditional attire, local customs or family rituals—as insufficient or inferior.
Dr Farah Siddiqui, an expert in technology and education, says that the phenomenon is creating a precarious chasm between the authentic selves of these young individuals and the personas they believe the society expects them to embody. This disconnection not only undermines their self-esteem but also threatens the continuity of cultural heritage, leading to a generation that struggles with identity in a world saturated with external influences.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, many young individuals find themselves glued to their smartphones, often at the expense of spending quality time with family and friends or exploring their rich cultural heritage. A striking trend is evident on social media platforms, where some users manage to attract thousands of likes and views within mere hours of posting. This rapid rise to virtual stardom can lead to an obsession with social media, overshadowing the importance of real-life connections and traditions.
To effectively bridge the gap between advancing technology and the appreciation of cultural heritage, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies that foster a healthy relationship with digital devices.
Take, for instance, the perspective shared by a social media user, Bilal_Khan who reflected on his childhood with fond memories of learning traditional songs from his grandfather, a practice that connected them to their cultural roots. As he became increasingly immersed in social media, he saw a gradual but significant decline in their appreciation for these artistic traditions. The allure of likes and shares started taking precedence over meaningful interaction with family. Today, Bilal_khan acknowledges that his online presence has become a priority, even as they grapple with the void left by the neglect of their cultural identity.
Dr Siddiqui states: “Technology is not inherently bad. We just need to teach young people critical thinking, so they understand what they are consuming and why it matters.” This highlights the pressing need for parents, educators and policymakers to play an active role in guiding the youth through the complexities of digital engagement.
To effectively bridge the gap between advancing technology and the appreciation of cultural heritage, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies that foster a healthy relationship with digital devices. This might include establishing informed and reasonable limits on screen time to prevent overuse, integrating cultural education into school curricula and creating platforms where young people feel inspired to explore, celebrate and take pride in their heritage rather than experiencing shame or embarrassment about it.
By doing so, we can cultivate a generation of citizens who not only values their digital experiences but also cherishes their cultural identities. The challenge we face in contemporary society is profound and pressing. If proactive measures are not taken, there is a significant risk that the young people may lose a deep connection to their cultural roots and personal identities.
While social media offers invaluable opportunities for connection and self-expression, it should never be allowed to overshadow the importance of family bonds, cultural appreciation or traditional values. Striking a meaningful balance between the online world and real-life experiences will empower children and adolescents to remain engaged with their cultural heritage, even as they navigate the vast digital landscape. If we fail to achieve this balance, we risk erasing the distinctive qualities that make us unique, gradually allowing them to fade away with each post and story shared online.
The writer is anundergraduate student at GCU, Faisalabad.He can be contacted atzohaibwazir222gmail.com