‘The power of social media is it forces necessary change.’ -Erik Qualman
Tajenlemla Aier
Hope Academy School, Dimapur
We are living in a time of digitalization and the internet. People are connected to each other wireless with the help of social media. It is also known as an international digital platform for the display of the vast array of talents and links worldwide. The youths are one of its most dominant users and it is no different in the case of the youths of Nagaland. Over the years, we have seen immense growth and popularity of the use of social media amongst the Naga youth. Be it through apps like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter, Naga youth have been able to connect to the rest of the world through these means. By some, the influence of social media on our youths has been considered a boon, while others a curse.
Firstly, social media provides many substantial platforms for the new generation. We have seen the uprising of many creators of different contents amongst our youth in the past few years and even more after the breakout of the pandemic. Some youths have found a way of coping with their inactiveness through content creating on YouTube ,running podcasts and viewable radios, forming social communities and many more. The lists of things that we can do on the internet are never ending. It is also a virtual stage to showcase our abilities. Nagaland, without a doubt, has many talented youths. But with the inception of social media, we have seen the emergence of many artists like Alobo Naga, Dreamz Unlimited, Tali Angh, Tetseo sisters and many others. It has opened up new doors for the juvenile of our state. In addition to the talent display through social media amongst our Naga youths, many young aspiring writers, bloggers, journalists have taken advantage of the available sources and have started to showcase their abilities too. They take part in competitions hosted online and are a part of online communities where they enhance their skills by learning via other people.
Secondly, unemployment is one of the most common and major problem amongst the youths. Earning for living is an essential every youth desires. Social media has decreased the chances of unemployment through online businesses. There are many youths who have started to earn enough for a settled life through online businesses. The options of businesses you can start online are limitless. Options range from small necessities to big properties. This has all become possible through social media. Naga youth have started businesses where they sell handmade goods, products and immeasurable more. Stores like 'Obsession Boutique' were small online businesses before they were a physical store. The influence social media has on our youth is immense. We have witnessed and have yet to witness the uprising of many more Naga entrepreneurs in the upcoming years. Furthermore, social media platforms have proven to be an adequate platform to polish one's leadership skills. Many youths have shown great leadership abilities, be it in small projects online or offline. Being able to communicate with leaders all around the world has led to followers being able to influence decisions and outcomes leading to a shift in power dynamics. Social media have also made an impact on the religious aspects, during the times of pandemic social media was very helpful in conducting devotional services, sermons and worship campaigns through online. Many young missionaries devoted their lives to communicate with the people through online prayers and services to reach out to the common people during the pandemic. Young groups of Naga NGOs and self help groups committed their professions to grab hold of the online platform to render help to the poor and needy during the pandemic.
The inception of social media had made our lives easier giving access and opportunities to many things. However, the dangers of social media are massive. We have witnessed many Naga youths waste their time on these social media platforms. This addiction has lead people to disconnect with their surroundings. Many physiatrists believe that social media is a single most factor causing depression and anxiety in people. It is also a cause of poor mental growth in children. Increased use of social media can lead to poor sleeping patterns. There are many negative effects like cyber bullying, body image issues etc. There is an increased 'Fear of Missing out'(FOMO) at an all-time high in youth because of social media.
In conclusion, it would a gem to emphasize that it is not hard to see that social media is a blessing if used wisely, but at the same time a curse if used carelessly. One should use social media for its advantages and reap the benefits that come with it.
This is the second prize winner of the Kohima Education Society essay competition in Category A with the theme
‘Influence of Social Media on Naga Youth’
