TikTok Generation & the Contemporary Revolutions

 

Bloody revolutions have been a constant part of human history. The frustrated populace has always found a hero to dethrone oppressive kings and generals. Revolutions before the 19th century were quite rare; however, since the dawn of the twentieth century, particularly after the advent of modern technology, revolutions have become more frequent. These revolts show the widespread discontent and mistrust of common masses upon the system. The recent uprisings of this turbulent century are in two neighboring Muslim countries of Iran and Pakistan. These attempts of revolutions are led by generations that know very little about the foundation of these states. They are manipulated by social media and its potent tools, such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) to benefit some individuals and states to strengthen their monopoly over the weak ones. The remedy, however, is the establishment of legal frameworks for the use of these social media platforms.  

It was mid-September when Mahsa Amini, a twenty-two year old Kurdish girl, was detained by Iran’s morality police for violating the Islamic dress code. Her sudden death has sparked an uprising after forty tumultuous years in Iran. Mahsa is said to have died because of an attack on her head by the morality police. However, the authorities refute the allegations, stating that she actually died of heart failure. Whatever the reason, fair investigation must reveal it, because that is not how Islamic states are supposed to carry out divine commandments.

The tragedy ultimately lit a revolution laced with protests of unprecedented agitation and bloodshed. Approximately some two hundred people have died and thousands of Iranians, notably feminists, continue to protest. The future of this uprising, which is supposedly backed by the US and Israel, rings alarm bells for the Iranian leadership. The slogan “Woman, Life, and Freedom” is heard in all corners of Iran. Women have resorted to the streets, burning their headscarves, terming it a burden upon their shoulders. Social media influencers have seized the opportunity to demand freedom and liberty from the strict Islamic regime, which is led by the supreme leader Hayatullah Khomeini. It indeed is time for consideration not only for the leaders but also for the protesters to know who is exploiting whom and for what purposes.

Pakistan, on the other hand, is experiencing yet another uprising. There may have been hardly a decade of peace and prosperity in the history of this nation. We have suffered at the hands of distinct characters throughout our 75 years of existence. This time, a new brigade ---the TikTok Generation—has taken over. They neither know the history of this country nor the sufferings of millions of people who sacrificed themselves for it. 

Pakistan was liberated from British Rule in order to get a homeland for Muslims where they could practice their religion freely. Unfortunately, this generation of social media influencers believes that it was liberated to dance and sing openly, freely, and wherever they please. In fact, this revolutionary brigade of dancers will only plunge this country into more misery and despair.

The causes of this revolt are undoubtedly the high rising inflation, unemployment, low literacy rates, poor living conditions and, particularly, the monopoly of a few political leaders and generals over the lives of 220 million people. However, it must be understood that instability and repeated revolts deform the very structures of a state and nation.

Spreading hatred and fake news generated by sophisticated AI machines have blinded us. We have become easy prey for the exploiting owners of these social media platforms that we use. Our hate and heat both serve as money making machines for these company owners. Since the introduction of social media and the Internet, the number of billionaires has drastically expended. These company owners sit at the top of the table of rich men and have cashed on our differences. We are so scattered as a nation and society. Every individual today desires a state within a state, feeling that the global system does not meet his standards.

To glue this chasm of social division, we need immediate reforms with the proper implementation of how social media platforms are used. Legal reforms should not only limit its use but make one accountable for what he says and shares on social media. The revolution of “like, comment and share” must be strangulated before we lose control of it. States need to contain this generation of social media influencers before they spread more havoc and hatred.  

To sum up, revolutions are violent and have become so frequent that they threaten the very existence of human beings. The Selfish and aimless policies of our policy makers tend to incite every succeeding generation to stand and oppose the status quo. The primary cause is Social media, which has pumped these murderous revolts and has profited a few to become billionaires and left the common peacefully living people at the mercy of this TikTok generation. Thus, it is the need of the hour to design strict legal reforms in order to contain the use of these social media platforms that have endangered human existence.