Youth are the true asset of any nation and society. The progress of countries and the promise of a bright future depend largely on the thinking, character, and development of their youth. While modern technology has created countless opportunities for learning, skill development, and access to information in today’s fast-paced world, it has simultaneously cast dark shadows over character building and moral values. Today’s youth have immersed themselves so deeply in the digital world that they often fail to recognize the need to reflect upon and develop their own personalities. As a result, many young people remain unaware of the negative effects of digital exposure and ignore its side effects. These effects are not limited to their personal lives alone; society at large is also suffering from their consequences.
In the digital age, social media and the internet are no longer merely tools for knowledge, communication, and entertainment. They are increasingly being used to spread misinformation and misleading
ideologies. Young people, in particular-technologically skilled yet still developing in experience and moral understanding-are easily influenced by online content. Their energy and emotional intensity, often described as “hot blood,” make them even more susceptible. At this age, youth are deeply sensitive to social issues, religion, justice, and perceived injustice. This emotional intensity can make them vulnerable to false or misleading narratives, especially those that promote violence or distorted ideologies. Therefore, caution in using social media is essential.
Social media algorithms are designed to repeatedly show users content similar to what they have previously viewed, liked, or followed. Over time, this causes misleading or biased information to dominate a user’s feed, creating the impression that their thoughts and emotions are widely shared by others. Gradually, young people begin to feel emotionally attached to such content without realizing it. Sometimes they feel their lives are meaningless or empty, leading to despair. At other times, they begin to see themselves as “different” or “oppressed,” a perception that can justify aggression or harmful actions in their minds. Sometimes they feel they are keeping pace with everyone else, becoming absorbed in an imagined world. Eventually, they may start believing that what they see online is the only reality. This deep attachment intensifies their mental alignment with certain narratives, and without realizing it, they begin moving in a particular psychological and ideological direction. In some cases, they may take irreversible steps under the influence of negative or aggressive ideologies-steps that affect not only their own lives but also their families and society as a whole. The damage caused is often impossible to undo.
This “algorithmic” phenomenon is commonly known as the “filter bubble,” which confines individuals to their existing beliefs while hiding alternative perspectives. As a result, young people begin to accept misleading narratives as absolute truth. In this context, the Quran gives clear guidance:
“O you who believe! If a sinner comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you harm people unknowingly and then become regretful for what you have done.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:6)
This verse conveys a powerful message to youth: do not trust any online information without verification.
Some online pages, channels, and websites deliberately adopt strategies to influence young people through misinformation and misleading messages. These platforms not only present extreme or sensitive viewpoints but also create the impression that society or people of other religions do not understand them. For example, certain Facebook or Instagram accounts tell young people that participating in others’ festivals, interacting with different communities, or forming friendships beyond one’s ideological or religious affiliation is wrong. Gradually, such messaging distances youth from democratic principles and the fundamental values of social harmony.
These groups often exploit the psychology of young people, making them feel that their lives are unfair and that they must not only raise their voices against this injustice but also “fight” for their so-called rights. Social media algorithms reinforce these messages repeatedly, causing emotionally vulnerable or isolated youth to accept them more readily. While such incidents are relatively rare in India, they occur more frequently in Western countries, where individuals sometimes suddenly attack others in public spaces. One possible reason for India’s relative protection is its strong family system, which often helps shield youth from extreme negative psychological tendencies. In addition, some groups identify young people through private messages, games, and quizzes, gradually imposing their ideology upon them.
The solution to these challenges does not lie in criticism or prohibition alone. It is equally important to guide young people toward reliable and authentic sources of information. Youth should seek facts from credible national media, trustworthy journalists, reputable platforms, university textbooks, and verified academic journals, and they should consult teachers and guardians for guidance. In doing so, they can protect themselves from misleading content and shape their views on democratic and ethical foundations. They must also understand that social media algorithms can limit their perspectives by showing only content that reinforces their existing preferences and emotions. Therefore, young people should remain alert, avoid accepting any message without investigation, and rely on reason and understanding to seek the right path.
Dialogue with friends, family members, and teachers is also crucial. Instead of sharing suspicious or disturbing content, youth should consult experienced and trustworthy individuals. They should observe their own emotional reactions: Does this content make them fearful, isolated, or alienated? Does it provoke an urge for an immediate reaction? If so, they should pause and reflect, carefully considering both the positive and negative aspects before liking, sharing, or commenting. Such awareness helps young people remain mentally strong and protected from the harmful effects of online misinformation.
The Qur’an also reminds us of the importance of knowledge:
“Whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray nor suffer.”
(Surah Ta-Ha, 20:123)
This verse encourages young people to actively seek correct knowledge and avoid accepting misleading messages without verification.
At a collective level, society and educational institutions can train young people through digital literacy and awareness programs so they are not victimized by online misinformation and misleading content. If youth understand how their thinking is influenced, how social media algorithms shape behavior, and how these processes affect mental health, they can act more wisely and remain safe. Combating online misinformation is not limited to technical solutions or social media policies alone. It is a combined effort involving moral education, religious understanding, awareness of credible media, and social cooperation. Young people must realize that in today’s digital age—where access is universal-digital platforms have become tools for spreading all kinds of content, both reliable and unreliable. The careless and unverified use of these platforms not only promotes misinformation and misleading narratives but also contradicts Islamic teachings and poses a threat to democratic values, social harmony, and individual freedom.
