If one has been online chronically, consuming internet and media from across various social media platforms, one must have a clear idea that social media doesn’t have only one side, but rather two major sides with principles. One of its major sides may be that of the never-ending new trends that keep the audience and viewers entertained and hooked almost half of their days, the everyday relatable content that resonates and provides comic relief and fashion, and entertainment. But the other side is just as intense as the former is forbearing. That side is not just about real-life stories but about what goes on behind the screens, the fulfilling culture, the grand promises of leaders, and crises that have acutely unfolded throughout the world, creating major political and global consequences as humanity is lost. As much as one side of social media is an escape, the other is a cruel reality check.

Looking at the engagements of current times, there is no doubt in saying that the effects of social media have shown a greater impact on shaping the fresh young minds and their ideals more than changing people’s collective lifestyles in social circles and their choices into a broader social taste. Why it becomes easy to shape the young minds is because they are like clay molds, ready to be created into whatever the bigger social narrative dictates. And among the youth, these ideals and words spread like wildfire, making them more active than their previous generations with a better and wider participation in the social circumstances and events, from politics to entertainment and education. There is an awareness that has become a very consistent trait among the youth, making them politically and socially woke as well as maintaining a social balance.

The political side of social media arises out of the possibility of it being a platform that belongs to all sides and thus, exposes every truth quite honestly. Comparing social media and journalistic media sources, which have become a subject of mockery, criticism, and an absolute joke with no quality of any truth to impart to the audience, the former has become a more reliable source for what is true. It opens a space for a radical sharing of views over each and every political occurrence, where collective radical opinions challenge the more conventional sources of telling the truth. One young mind gets influenced by another, chooses what they consider the political truth them and dives into that space itself to prove their ground. The dirty side of politics doesn’t only get exposed by portraying simple news but also by sharing proof and asking valid questions that are sometimes openly disregarded, leaving a greater answer.

Social media, over time, has also brought out the quiet sufferers. It gradually turned into a space for people from different backgrounds and spaces to share their stories that were suppressed and never talked about. This spreads a greater awareness among you and brings out voices in support of the suppressed stories, making them loud enough to be heard. It unveils the political tactics and a prolonged ignorance towards these cases, which demand a fresh approach and outlook. The questions asked thus command a greater justice. Justice itself has gained a new identity with new ideals of the youth. Their vision is clear. Justice is not something that is imparted to a victim affected by a crime. But also, that which must be imparted to the citizens who have suffered and are suffering due to a political or institutional failure, who must receive answers and the commitment that was promised to the public.

It is not just the modern politics that are questioned, but also the historical politics that are being explored and voiced to this young generation. Who, in turn, gain a collective consciousness about whatever was hidden from them or was never shared through generations, because they were left unaware and un-questioning. Their cause gets a greater momentum, and their learnings become a tool for their challenge to the current authoritative positions. With indirect attempts at tampering with the democracy that India is, the youth has also redefined the meaning of a democratic vision that commands a modified and lasting target.

The term politics itself has become a modified version of what it used to be. It is not limited to the country’s scenario of a democracy but rather has been extended to personal ideals, beliefs, cinema, culture, agency, economics, and even body language. The constraints placed on knowledge have been lifted, and they give a crystal-clear clarity to the youth about the times they are in. Several informative channels all over social media unearth facts about various ethnic groups, cultures, government projects, business strategies, and gendered experiences that shape ideals and knowledge. 

Like Nelson Mandela once quoted, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

Social media might have been criticized for doing what it does with its unreal trends, setting unacceptable standards, manipulating minds, and making life an act to fit in. It has also made sure to educate the youth about political ideologies and actions. If the youth chooses reality over the escapist side of social media, it won’t be long before this becomes a platform for change, of collective voices and demands that meet the perspective of democracy, along with identifying and calling out the political loopholes.

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