Tahir Ahmed, Finland
In today’s interconnected world, social media exerts a pervasive influence akin to a “hypnotic grip,” shaping opinions, behaviours, and values. Governments, politicians, and corporations exploit this medium through fake news and propaganda to manipulate public opinion and even elections.
Individuals, driven by the need for validation and acceptance, engage in extreme and often harmful behaviours, such as dangerous challenges, oversharing, and chasing unrealistic beauty standards, leading to alarming mental health consequences, including suicide and self-harm.
Social media’s echo chambers amplify misinformation, cyberbullying, and radical ideologies, fracturing societal unity. The relentless pursuit of viral fame, wealth, and luxuries fosters exploitation and a troubling shift from real-world values to virtual recognition.
Traditional hypnosis relies on trust and the subject’s openness to suggestions, creating a trance state where behaviour and emotions can be influenced. Similarly, modern tools like social media, artificial intelligence, and materialism serve as instruments of global “hypnosis” that subtly manipulate minds without traditional trance states.
This form of psychological control fosters conformity, spiritual disconnection, and a loss of individuality. Addressing this widespread influence requires a holistic, spiritual approach to reclaim humanity’s sense of purpose and connection.
The era of the Messiah and the global deception of dajjal
It was prophesied that in the Latter Days, at the time of the Messiah, a dajjal would appear, representing a system of deceit and materialism that leads people away from spiritual truths. It would disguise evil as good and portray the pursuit of desires as the attainment of paradise. The Holy Quran states:
وَاِذَا النُّفُوۡسُ زُوِّجَتۡ
“And when people are brought together.” (Surah at-Takwir, Ch.81: V.8)
Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explains this: “In particular, European philosophy has moulded the human mind into a specific pattern. Now, if a Chinese person thinks, he thinks in a Western way; if a Japanese thinks, he thinks in a Western way; if an Arab thinks, he too thinks in a Western way; and even if a Pashtun thinks, he also thinks in a Western way. Although they are different nations and speak different languages, Western philosophy and culture have pervaded everyone.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, 2023, Vol. 11, pp. 312–313)
The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas said, “Companionship has a profound influence, which works subtly over time. If a person goes to brothels every day and then asks, ‘Do I commit adultery?’ – he should be told, ‘Yes, you will eventually,’ because [one’s] company leaves its mark. Similarly, if someone frequently visits a tavern, even if he claims to abstain and says, ‘I don’t drink,’ the day will come when he surely will. Therefore, one should never be unaware of the fact that one’s company has a powerful influence.” (Malfuzat, 2018, Vol. 5, pp. 370-371)
This teaching applies to all forms of companionship – anyone with whom a person associates, communicates, or spends time. Unlike the limited impact of traditional gatherings, social media amplifies flaws and vulnerabilities by enabling constant, unrestricted interaction across boundaries of morality, age, and culture.
This “global companionship” blurs the lines between right and wrong, keeping doors of influence perpetually open and leaving individuals susceptible to the pervasive illusions of dajjal. Understanding this deception requires vigilance and spiritual grounding to navigate the challenges of this era.
The tools of global hypnosis
Social media, artificial intelligence, and materialism have become powerful tools of modern manipulation, shaping minds and societies on a global scale. Social media platforms, with their dopamine-triggering algorithms, create addictive cycles of scrolling and engagement, fostering emotional reactivity and diminishing critical thinking and reinforcing a passive mindset.
Artificial intelligence acts as an invisible puppeteer, predicting and influencing human behaviour through curated content and surveillance, subtly eroding free will by pre-programming choices and fostering division through misinformation.
Materialism, meanwhile, fuels the illusion that happiness lies in possessions, shifting focus from intellectual and spiritual growth to endless consumption. This mindset breeds greed, envy, and social apathy, leaving societies divided and neglectful of empathy, justice, and communal well-being.
Recently, a Finnish national newspaper Yle published an article expressing concern over the growing issue of pornography addiction starting as young as 11 years old, exacerbated by advancements like virtual reality. Studies suggest that excessive exposure to violent and degrading content in pornography is changing boys’ behaviour towards girls, their perceptions are changing and distorting young people’s understanding of sexuality, increasing sexual objectification, and in some cases, contributing to sexual harassment and violence. (American College of Paediatricians: The Impact of Pornography on Children)
I also came across a social media movement called the “Four B” Movement, originating in South Korea. This social media-driven movement advocates for no dating, no sexual relationships, no marriage, and no children, reflecting frustration with patriarchal structures and societal expectations. While it underscores a desire for autonomy and respect, its extreme stance risks adverse consequences for both genders.
The “Tradwife” phenomenon similarly emerged in the US; this lifestyle promotes traditional gender roles with slogans like “Your husband is your lord on earth.” Ironically, influencers advocating this lifestyle often monetise their content through social media as a career, contradicting the very ideals they promote.
These examples are mere glimpses of the countless ways in which modern manipulation tools shape behaviour, values, and societal norms. They underline the urgent need for awareness, critical thinking, and spiritual grounding to navigate this era of deception.
The consequences: Senselessness among people and nations
The modern world is gripped by a form of global hypnosis as if Satan himself is present with his magic and sorcery, turning the world away from God by fostering a dangerous state of senselessness.
Societies and individuals increasingly lose the ability to discern truth, empathise, and act responsibly. Ethical values are replaced by relativism. Nations fracture under the weight of misinformation and ideological polarisation, drifting aimlessly in pursuit of fleeting pleasures instead of meaningful goals. Materialism and technological dependence have alienated people from their spiritual essence, leaving behind a void filled with anxiety and dissatisfaction.
Media manipulation surrounding conflicts like Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine underscores this trend. Governments and institutions disseminate false narratives so convincingly that they blur the lines between truth and propaganda. For example, much of the Western world perceives Israel as the victim and Palestinians as aggressors, or Ukraine as innocent and Russia as tyrannical, emphasising the power of controlled narratives to shape global opinion.
According to Statista, as of October 2024, 5.52 billion people – 67.5% of the global population – were internet users, with 5.22 billion (63.8%) active on social media. On average, users spend between 2.5 to 6 hours daily on social platforms, depending on age and country.
This overwhelming digital engagement highlights how deeply ingrained social media is in shaping collective consciousness, often perpetuating herd mentality and intoxicating society with unreality and deception. In an era when materialism and Satan’s “alternative world” dominate, even believers are vulnerable to its allure. This world of illusions prompts a vital question: amidst such widespread influence and distortion, what solutions has religion provided to guide humanity back to truth, spirituality, and authentic purpose?
Breaking the spell: The role of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya
The teachings of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, emphasise the dangers of being swayed by materialistic and worldly influences and provide solutions rooted in spirituality, knowledge, and morality. And after him, the system of Khilafat continues to protect us from the spells of the dajjal.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, has provided profound guidance on navigating the spiritual and societal challenges brought about by excessive reliance on technology, social media, and materialism. He emphasises the importance of anchoring oneself in a strong connection with Allah through heartfelt prayer, constant remembrance, and adherence to the Islamic values of justice and moderation.
To counter the seductive pull of social media, the manipulative influence of artificial intelligence, and the consumerism-driven mindset of materialism, he advises fostering critical thinking, cultivating spiritual discipline, and strengthening meaningful community relationships. Huzooraa has also repeatedly advised parents to build friendly and open relationships with our children, encouraging honest communication to address their concerns and questions freely.
Platforms such as MTA provide constructive and enriching alternatives to harmful media, while the system of financial sacrifice and the initiatives like Humanity First exemplify service to humanity, promoting empathy and countering the self-centredness driven by materialism. Additionally, auxiliary organisations serve as structured avenues for education, moral development, and community service, instilling a strong sense of purpose and responsibility among members.
Returning to spiritual roots in a distracted world
Connecting with the Khalifa of the time is central to our spiritual life as Ahmadi Muslims, as the Khalifa of the time serves as a unifying figure and guide. Regularly listening to the Huzoor’saa Friday Sermons ensures that members stay informed about his guidance on spiritual and contemporary matters. Acting on his instructions in our daily lives reinforces the bond between leader and follower.
Writing letters to Huzooraa is a deeply personal way to seek prayers and advice, while opportunities for personal mulaqat [meeting] provide spiritual upliftment and direct interaction. Ahmadis should also pray regularly for Huzooraa and ask Allah to strengthen their connection with him.
Participation in Jamaat activities similarly fosters collective purpose and unity. Watching MTA broadcasts and reading the books of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa can help us become better people, free from Satan’s influence.
On 23 August 2024, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa instructed the Jamaat to recite certain prayers and said that these days, when Satan is trying to attack our community and the world at large, the only way for us to remain safeguarded is through prayers.
Huzooraa stated that, “every member of the Jamaat, i.e., every adult, should recite this Durood Sharif 200 times a day:
سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ وَبِحَمْدِہ سُبْحَانَ اللّٰہِ الْعَظِیْمِ اَللّٰھُمّ صَلِّ عَلیٰ مُحَمّدٍ و اٰلِ مُحَمّدٍ
“‘Holy is Allah and worthy of all praise, Holy is Allah, the Great. O Allah, send down Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the progeny of Muhammad.’
“Those of middle age, from 15 to 25 years old, should recite it at least 100 times. Children should recite it at least 33 times. Little kids should be helped by their parents to recite it three or four times. Additionally, everyone should seek forgiveness (Istighfar) 100 times.
“I also include the following prayer in this:
رَبِّ کُلُّ شَیْئٍ خَادِمُکَ رَبِّ فَاحْفَظْنِیْ وَانْصُرْنِیْ وَارْحَمْنِیْ
“‘O my Lord everything serves You. So O my Lord, protect me and help me and have mercy on me.’
“Recite this prayer especially during these days and generally always. In the vision, it was shown [to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh] that if you do this, you will be in a fortress where even satan cannot enter. The walls of this fortress are made of iron, reaching up to the sky, leaving no openings for satan to attack.” (Friday Sermon, 23 August 2024)