EVER since the social media platforms gained prominence and turned into a major tool of mobilising public opinions, our own community of netizens has been vocal on these platforms regarding various issues. From government officials to politicians, people are often seen criticising their policies and execution; this symbolises an aware and educated people who know to speak their minds out against injustice or high handedness.
K-Twitter is an aware ecosystem of opinionated and articulate Kashmiris, who’re often seen expressing their experiences unapologetically. They’re also always adept at extending solidarities to social movements. However, for some time now, some social media users on K-twitter are seen turning towards their own people. They’re usually adolescent youngsters who’re often seen indulging in sexist trolling and bullying based on xenophobia, regionalism, gender and class. There is another section of social media users who promote mediocrity by misquoting the works of great political philosophers, political scientists, authors and poets without understanding their body of work. Cancel culture has also been on the rise and certainly not in a healthy way.
If parents or guardians hand over a smartphone to their teenage children, it also becomes imperative on them to keep an eye on the digital footprints of their children. Furthermore, we have had a rich legacy of intellect and wisdom, we should strive hard to continue with the rich heritage our forefathers left, in that direction we should strive hard to teach our teenage youth the basic human decency as well as sensitivity on and off the virtual world of internet.
Saddam Shami