Reclaiming Social Media: Preserving Kashmiri Values in a Digital Age

“Speak good or remain silent” – Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Posting cringe-worthy, vulgar, or harmful content merely for fame or to make easy money is not only irresponsible—it is completely against Islamic teachings and etiquette.

Self-proclaimed social media influencers bear a significant moral responsibility. With thousands of followers watching their every move, they must be conscious of what they post—because they will be answerable before Allah (SWT).

It is evident that Kashmir is caught in the grip of a digital storm that seems to be spiraling out of control. The surge in smartphone use and internet accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among children and teens, has triggered a dramatic shift in how content is consumed and created in the region.

What began as a window to the outside world has now become a double-edged sword. Many self-styled influencers and YouTubers have weaponized these platforms, spreading vulgarity, meaningless content, and mindless challenges—all for views and popularity. Rather than uplifting the community, this trend is eroding Kashmir’s moral and cultural fabric, leading our youth down a path of distraction and superficial gratification. These creators, whether knowingly or not, are diverting young minds away from education, discipline, and tradition—toward a lifestyle void of meaningful substance or long-term benefit.

Worse still, we are witnessing the normalization of tasteless content. Banned accounts re-emerge, only to gain even larger followings. The growing demand for vulgarity and sensationalism directly contradicts the teachings of Islam and the time-honored values of Kashmir, which prioritize modesty, dignity, and a higher purpose. Yet, society’s silence on the matter only accelerates the decline. If we do not act now, we risk losing not just our values, but an entire generation.

Thankfully, voices like Advocate Muneer Najar have taken a stand—reporting inappropriate accounts and advocating for a more ethical digital culture. His efforts deserve our collective support. This is not about blame; it is about saving our future.

A true Muslim must never spread indecent content, use abusive language, or insult others—all traits that now define much of today’s toxic influencer culture. We need our Islamic scholars, preachers, parents, educators, elders, and even youth to wake up and take collective action. We must promote content that educates, inspires, and reflects our faith and heritage. Harmful content should be reported and discouraged at every level.

Social media itself is not the enemy. Its misuse is.

It’s time we reclaim these platforms as tools for positive change. Together, we can build an online space that mirrors the beauty, strength, and spirit of Kashmir. We must not allow cheap fame to dismantle centuries of rich cultural and religious values.

If these influencers truly understood the gravity of their actions, they would fear Allah and reconsider the content they produce. Social media is not a playground; it is a platform that can lead to either reward or ruin. As an Ummah, we must hold ourselves—and one another—accountable. Let us raise awareness and promote content that brings khair (good), not fitna (chaos).

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Author: Er. Aausyf Ibn Farooq
Automation & Control Engineer, KSA
📧 aasifhussain14@gmail.com