Abdul Hadi Masood, Missionary, UK
The prevalence of social media in today’s society has brought both connectivity and complexity. Among its many facets, there exists a darker side – a realm where harmful trends and influences thrive, particularly among the youth. Consider the phenomenon of “13 Reasons Why,” a Netflix series that sent shockwaves through the teenage demographic. The series, depicting sensitive topics such as suicide and mental health, sparked controversy and concern for its potential impact on impressionable minds. Studies revealed a staggering 28.9% increase in teen suicide rates following the show’s release, underscoring the profound influence media can have on vulnerable individuals. (“Release of “13 Reasons Why” Associated with Increase in Youth Suicide Rates”, www.nimh.nih.gov)
Language is more than just words or phrases – it often serves as a window into the culture of the society it belongs to. Similarly, social media has its own unique vocabulary that shapes the digital landscape. Understanding this language is key to comprehending the social media world and its impact on younger generations. In this article, we will not only explore the social media world through its language but also examine how the teachings of the Holy Quran respond to some of the popular trends we encounter online.
Woke culture
For someone unfamiliar with social media’s terms, the word “woke” might simply suggest being consciously awake and aware of one’s surroundings. However, within the realm of social media, heavily influenced by American culture, “woke” takes on a specific meaning: it denotes being consciously aware of social injustices. “13 Reasons Why” and numerous other movies represent a byproduct of this activism – a strong effort to raise awareness regarding issues that resonate deeply with them. These issues predominantly revolve around social injustices related to gender or race.
The Holy Quran extensively addresses the topic of injustice, even asserting that enmity towards someone should not hinder the exercise of justice and fairness. (Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.9) However, there is a byproduct of woke culture that the Holy Quran disagrees with: the heightened sensitivity among youngsters due to awareness of bullying, which has blurred the lines between calling out behaviour for improvement and actual bullying. Statements like: “no one can judge you” seem to promote positivity but may discourage elders from offering guidance and correction, a practice the Holy Quran directly challenges, questioning certain religious leaders why they didn’t forbid people from sinning. (Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.64)
‘Redpilled’
The term “redpilled” originates from the 1999 science fiction film The Matrix. In the movie, the protagonist Neo is offered a choice between a red pill and a blue pill by the character Morpheus. Taking the red pill allows Neo to see the harsh truth about the world, while taking the blue pill allows him to remain in blissful ignorance.
In online communities, particularly those discussing politics and social issues, being “redpilled” has come to signify a similar awakening to the truth, particularly regarding perceived falsehoods or deceptions perpetrated by mainstream narratives. While woke culture promotes the rights of different people in hopes of combating the mental health issues that society is facing, there is another group on the opposite end of the spectrum, the Red Pill movement, that has gained popularity, especially in the last decade.
Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson, and Andrew Tate are just some of the names you might have seen pop up on your social media feed. These individuals are well-spoken and often can persuade young minds to rally behind them with catchphrases like “Facts don’t care about your feelings,” influencing a whole group of people into thinking that as long as you are stating facts, you don’t have to care about people’s feelings. Terms like “based” are popular amongst teenagers to describe someone who is authentic and true to themselves, often in defiance of societal norms or expectations. It implies a commitment to speaking one’s mind freely, regardless of political correctness or mainstream opinions.
The Holy Quran gives a very balanced view between these two extremes. While it has emphasised speaking the truth to such an extent that it has used the word “سديدا”, which can be translated as “straightforward,” meaning that your speech shouldn’t just be truthful but also straightforward, it also emphasises human relations and consideration of people’s feelings. For example:
“A kind word and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Self-Sufficient, Forbearing.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.264)
What is “charity followed by injury”? It is reminding someone of the favour that you have done and hurting their feelings in this way.
While the Holy Quran contains numerous verses emphasising the ineffectiveness of idols worshipped beside God Almighty, it also admonishes Muslims against insulting these idols (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.109). This verse signifies a balance: while God Almighty upholds the values of freedom of speech, it also safeguards people from unnecessary hurt and sadness.
Traditionalist
Red pill thinking is often associated with another term, “traditionalist”. This term directly refers to someone who upholds traditional values and practices. It’s often used by teenagers to describe themselves or others who prioritise customs and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
This has started a gender war between traditionalists and the woke culture. The Red Pill movement or traditionalists might use terms such as:
Snowflake: This term is often used to mock feminists or progressives who are perceived as overly sensitive or easily offended, implying that they are fragile and incapable of handling opposing viewpoints.
Beta male: While not directly aimed at feminism, this term is often used within red pill communities to criticise men who are perceived as weak, submissive, or lacking in traditional masculine traits, contrasting them with “alpha males”, who are assertive and dominant.
On the other hand, the woke culture would use terms such as:
Toxic masculinity: This term is often used by some to criticise certain behaviours linked to traditional ideas of masculinity, like being overly aggressive or suppressing emotions. While it points out how society’s expectations can harm men’s mental health and relationships, others see it as unfairly attacking masculinity itself.
Mansplaining: This word, mainly used in feminist discussions, describes when a man talks down to a woman by explaining something in a patronising way. While it started to highlight this kind of behaviour, some think it’s too broad and doesn’t always fit the situation.
The debates surrounding gender and societal norms can have detrimental effects on young people, often leading them to adopt defensive or extreme views. Often, you will come across quotes promoting such views: “A woman’s life starts at 18. A man’s life starts at 30. Only men would understand this.”
The Red Pill movement believes that a woman’s value lies not in her money or education but in her appearance, implying that the younger she is, the more valuable she becomes. While this perspective aligns with extreme traditional views, it is widely promoted among youngsters today. Such beliefs prompt individuals to express sentiments like, “Stop thinking your degree brings more value to you as a woman. No, it does not.” Muslim youngsters are also influenced by this thinking, as evidenced by statements such as, “Why are women so obsessed with going to the mosque?” as shared by one account on X.
This type of views and opinions contradicts the teachings of the Holy Quran, which emphasises empathy, compromise, and understanding. For example, in addressing the roles of men and women, the Quran offers a profound analogy, likening the relationship between husband and wife to that of garments. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.188) Just as garments protect and cover the body, spouses are meant to safeguard and support each other, shielding one another from negativity and concealing each other’s faults. This analogy underscores the importance of mutual care, protection, and acceptance within the marital relationship. By adhering to these principles, individuals can navigate the complexities of gender dynamics and societal expectations with wisdom and compassion, fostering healthy relationships and communities.
Body shaming
Body shaming is a term that’s gained traction in discussions, particularly within woke culture. It refers to making negative comments about someone’s body, regardless of their weight, size, shape, or appearance. While it’s universally recognised as hurtful behaviour, the concept has spurred another movement known as “body positivity.”
Body positivity, on the other hand, is a social movement advocating for the acceptance and celebration of all body types. It promotes the idea that everyone, regardless of their physical attributes, deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. However, there’s a growing concern that this movement has sometimes veered into glorifying unhealthy lifestyles under the guise of acceptance.
A sobering example of this appeared in a MailOnline article from 16 December 2023, highlighting the tragic deaths of four social media influencers who championed the belief that obesity was perfectly healthy. This serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misleading individuals about the realities of their health.
While it’s crucial to treat everyone with kindness and sensitivity, it’s equally important not to propagate beliefs that could have a detrimental impact on wider society. The Holy Quran emphasises kindness towards others but also acknowledges the importance of physical strength and knowledge. For instance, the story of King Talut illustrates that superiority isn’t solely determined by wealth but also by knowledge and physical prowess. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.248) The Holy Prophetsa has been recorded to have said: “A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-qadr, Hadith 2664)
Parental debt denial
“Parental Debt Denial”, though not as popular as some of the other concepts mentioned, is still a concept that is gaining traction among the younger generation. They are challenging the traditional idea of owing gratitude and care to one’s parents. This ideology stems from the belief that individuals are not indebted to their parents simply because they were brought into existence without their consent. It has led to strained relationships between parents and children, as both parties adhere to an ideology of “individualism,” prioritising personal freedoms over societal obligations.
Parents, in some cases, rely too heavily on their children financially in their later years, burdening them with responsibilities that breed resentment and dismissiveness. On the other hand, children seek to live freely without the weight of familial obligations.
However, Islam offers a balanced perspective on this matter. It underscores the importance of raising children with love and care, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said:
“That you leave your inheritors wealthy is better than leaving them dependent, begging for what people have. Whatever you spend on them is a charity for you, even the morsel you feed to your wife.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-wasaya, Hadith 2742)
Additionally, Islam reminds children of their duty towards their parents, urging them to honour and tolerate their parents’ needs and opinions as they age. (Surah Bani Isra’il, Ch.17: V.24-25) This balanced approach encourages both parents and children to fulfil their respective roles with compassion and understanding.
Conclusion
It is clear that the absence of adequate cultural and religious guidance has left the younger generation vulnerable to external influences. The realm of social media has transformed the world into a global village, where countless ideas, ideologies, and concepts collide and evolve constantly. In such a dynamic environment, it’s not surprising that children often feel confused and may even adopt extreme ideas.
It’s crucial for parents to recognize and understand this landscape so that they can effectively guide their children. By staying informed about the influences and trends prevalent on social media, parents can provide the necessary support and guidance to help their children navigate through the complexities of the digital age. With proper guidance, parents can play a vital role in shaping their children’s understanding and worldview, ensuring that they develop into responsible and well-rounded individuals.