There was a time when a young person’s world revolved around classrooms, playgrounds, libraries, and conversations with friends and family. Today there is another universe that lies parallel – a digital universe which finds its place in the mobile phone and spans over the entire globe. Today’s youngsters use the internet not just for information and entertainment purposes but also for learning, interaction, creation, work, expressing their opinions and even dreaming about their future. Digital technology has very subtly become an integral part of an entire generation’s lives.
The youngsters are one of the major players in this revolution. The social networking sites have become virtual gathering places for them to interact, keep up with current trends and build communities. A youngster sitting in a tiny village can now listen to a lecture by a teacher thousands of kilometres away, learn a language from an internet instructor, participate in a virtual seminar or connect with like-minded people on these social media sites.
This is especially evident in the case of education. The digital classrooms, distance learning, educational films, e-books, learning apps etc. have brought knowledge closer than ever. Students no longer need to rely entirely on textbooks and classroom notes. In the case of any confusion, one can watch another video or explore animations and illustrations, additional information and even try solving questions in online tests. The smartphone has become a library for a lot of people who now learn online.
However, the engagement of youth with the digital world does not end at learning alone. A new generation of digital creators has emerged. Youth today are creating videos, podcasts, blogs, photos and other creative content. While some of them have converted their hobbies into careers, there are some who are using digital tools to spread their culture, traditions, food, art etc. to the rest of the world. With just a camera and an internet connection, a young person can create a presence which earlier required established media companies.
The digital age has also affected the perspective of young people regarding their career choices. Not only has the concept of employment been slowly supplemented by freelancing, online business, digital marketing, content creation, coding, graphic designing and other technology-related professions. The young entrepreneurs have the chance to sell their goods online, interact with customers on a digital platform and explore markets outside their immediate area. In short, for some young people, the Internet has become more than just a medium to access information but has provided them with new means of earning a livelihood.
Another key feature of digital engagement is social consciousness. Young people are increasingly using digital platforms as forums to voice their concerns regarding issues related to education, environment, mental well-being of people, empowerment of women, public health, climate change and development of communities. In many cases, a campaign that begins with a single post may soon engage thousands of people. Therefore, the Internet has offered young people a different way of participation in public life.
The digital world can play a special role for the youth of regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, providing an opportunity for showcasing the place beyond geographical boundaries. They can use the various technological tools to showcase the art, cuisine, scenery, literature and culture of Kashmir in front of India and the world. Technology thus can not only be used as a means of communication but also as a bridge linking the youth’s regional identity with the rest of the world.
But each opportunity brings along its own burden of responsibility. There are various problems associated with the digital world, like excessive screen time, mindless scrolling, online comparisons and the constant pressure to remain visible which can hamper concentration as well as social life in the real world. Youth can end up comparing their own lives with carefully curated versions of other people’s lives, resulting in their dissatisfaction with themselves.
Another major concern is misinformation. The speed with which information moves on the internet is its biggest asset but also its biggest liability. Fake news, distorted pictures, rumors and misinformation can move very quickly through cyberspace. In such circumstances, young people, who are among the most frequent users of the digital world, require not only access but also digital literacy. Skills in verifying sources, recognizing fake news, protecting personal information and thinking before sharing anything have become absolutely necessary.
Privacy is another aspect which requires some consideration. Young people are likely to post photos, locations, views and other personal details without considering the fact that the information which seems innocuous now may be troublesome in the future. It is important for the youth to recognize the fact that digital footprints can persist while people tend to forget.
The solution, however, is not for us to reject technology. It would neither be practical nor helpful for us to tell our children to disconnect completely from the technological world. What we must strive for is a healthier relationship with technology. In the end, technology should only serve us, and not the other way around.
Young people should have spaces where they could take a break from their smartphones, engage in real-life conversations, read physical books, play sports and even just spend time with their families, without recording each moment.
In truth, it does not matter how much time the digital generation spends in front of their screens. It is what they choose to do with their access to the digital world that defines them. With the use of a smartphone, one can either waste time on mindless scrolling, or he can learn an entirely new skill, start a business, raise awareness or connect with those who need help.
Today’s youth exist at a unique point in time, at a convergence of the physical world and the digital world. They are more informed, more connected, and have access to opportunities their predecessors could scarcely have imagined. Yet there is a sense of responsibility that comes with this. If they manage to strike a healthy balance between being connected and being thoughtful, between being creative and being analytical, and between the digital realm and the real world, then the digital world can be transformed into much more than a form of entertainment. It can be turned into a tool for learning, innovation, opportunities and social change.
The future will definitely be more digital. However, what kind of future emerges depends on how the young generation handles it. Ultimately, technology will just provide the platform; it is up to the youth to decide which story they want to write on it.
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