Introduction:
The internet has revolutionized our world in countless ways. It has changed how we communicate, learn, work, and even think. Today’s generation, especially the youth, are growing up in a digital environment where everything is just a click away. While the internet brings many benefits, it has also opened the doors to a wide range of dangers—especially due to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others. These platforms, once intended to connect people and encourage creativity, are now becoming a major source of distraction, moral decay, and deviation from Islamic values.
Deviation of Youth in the Digital Era:
One of the most noticeable impacts of the internet on youth is the obsession with becoming famous. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with young individuals desperately trying to go viral. The focus is no longer on gaining knowledge or improving oneself but rather on how many likes, followers, or views a person gets.
This desire for digital validation has made many youth anxious, insecure, and addicted to their screens. They constantly compare their
lives with others, seek approval through comments and likes, and fall into depression when they don’t meet these unrealistic expectations.
Instead of using the internet as a tool for learning or development, the majority of youth use it purely for entertainment. Hours are wasted watching prank videos, dancing trends, or meaningless skits. Valuable time that could be used to learn new skills, study, or engage in productive hobbies is lost in scrolling endlessly through content that offers no real value.
Youth have become distant from books, parents, religious obligations, and even physical activities. Many no longer engage in outdoor sports, social gatherings, or family time because they are too busy living in a virtual world.
The Rise of Unethical and Un-Islamic Content:
A growing concern today is the alarming level of vulgar, shameless, and inappropriate content being shared by youth for the sake of views and fame. In many videos, we see young men and women dancing, dressing immodestly, using foul language, and promoting indecent behavior—all of which directly contradict Islamic teachings.
Such content is not only harmful to the creators themselves but also corrupts the viewers, especially younger audiences. What was once considered shameful is now being normalized, and many youth do not even realize they are indulging in sinful acts.
The harsh reality is that for many youth today, money has become the ultimate goal. Whether the content is ethical or not, whether it pleases Allah or not, is no longer a concern. As long as it brings fame and income, many are willing to compromise their values and dignity.
This obsession with online earnings has led many to ignore the consequences of their actions. Influencers with millions of followers rarely care about the impact they have on others. They are role models to many, yet they promote a lifestyle of materialism, immodesty, and carelessness about religion.
Islam teaches modesty, humility, respect for others, and sincerity in actions. Social media, unfortunately, encourages show-off culture, narcissism, and arrogance. Many Muslim youth have adopted behaviors and trends that are far from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Prayer is neglected, Quran is ignored, and Islamic knowledge is seen as "boring" compared to trending reels and viral dances.
The Neglected Benefits of the Internet:
Despite all the negatives, the internet is not evil in itself. It is merely a tool, and like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it.
There is a wealth of Islamic content online—lectures from scholars, tafsir of the Quran, hadith explanations, and Islamic history. Youth can access knowledge from any corner of the world, anytime. Learning about deen has never been so easy. But sadly, most do not take advantage of this.
Many platforms offer free or affordable courses in graphic design, programming, language learning, digital marketing, and more. Youth can become job-ready or even start their own businesses by learning online. Instead of wasting time on useless videos, they could use the same internet to build their careers and become assets to their communities.
Social media can also be used for spreading Islamic messages, correcting misconceptions, and guiding others. There are influencers who are doing a great job of combining Islamic reminders with creative content. But again, they are in the minority.
A Call for Awareness and Responsibility:
This situation demands urgent attention from all parts of society—parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the youth themselves.
Parents must actively monitor what their children are watching and posting online. They should educate them about Islamic values and set clear boundaries on internet usage. Spending time with children, guiding them lovingly, and being involved in their digital lives is more important than ever.
Mosques, madrasas, and Islamic centers should focus on youth engagement. Instead of only traditional methods, they must include discussions on modern challenges like social media, addiction, and digital fitnah (trials). Youth need to feel connected to Islam in a practical and relatable way.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal responsibility. Every young Muslim should ask themselves: Is what I’m doing online pleasing to Allah? Am I wasting time or using it to grow? Is the content I’m creating or watching leading me closer to Jannah or further away?
Remember, life is short, and every moment counts. Social media fame is temporary, but the Hereafter is eternal.
Choose Wisely:
The internet is a powerful tool. It can either build you or break you. It can be your path to knowledge and success or a road to distraction and destruction. The choice lies with each individual.
We urge the youth to wake up from the illusion of social media fame and focus on what truly matters—faith, family, character, and contribution to society. Let us use the internet not as a means of deviation but as a path to grow closer to Allah, serve humanity, and prepare for a better life in both worlds.
May Allah guide our youth, protect them from fitnah, and grant them the wisdom to use the internet wisely and responsibly. Ameen.