Concerns are being raised about the use of social media by extremist groups to attract young Hindus towards Islam and radicalize them. This issue came to light after a parent shared his experience of his six-year-old daughter being influenced by videos of controversial Islamist Zakir Naik on YouTube.
The use of social media tools such as Instagram reels and YouTube shorts has made it easier for extremists to spread their message and influence young minds. They use tactics such as challenging Hindu faiths and evoking questions to fascinate children with Islam, as a strategy to recruit them for jihadi activities.
The lack of a system of religious education among Hindus is seen as a major concern. Many children in southern India are not even introduced to the basics of their own religion, making them vulnerable to extremist thoughts injected into their minds.
The issue of radicalization among young people is a growing concern globally, and the use of social media is making it easier for extremist groups to reach their target audience. Parents need to be vigilant and monitor their children’s online activity to ensure that they are not being influenced by extremist ideologies.
It is important to educate children about Hinduism and culture, and to safeguard them from Islamists. The government and civil society should take steps to counter extremist propaganda. The issue of extremist content on social media is a major challenge in front of us. The Government should urgently interfere in this issue.
Discussion about this post