From Storytelling to Showboating: The Moral Decline of Vlogging in Pakistan
The advent of video blogging, or vlogging, on social media has had such a significant impact on home privacy that it has nearly eradicated it. Vlogging had a very different purpose when it initially appeared in Pakistan almost 10 years ago. At the time, vloggers focused mostly on producing high-quality content that highlighted many aspects of society, such as food, culture, and lifestyle. Unfortunately, this trend has evolved over time, resulting in a loss of family privacy and values as well as a lack of areas for personal solitude.
In contrast to important content, the phrase “vlogging” has undergone tremendous change, becoming more of a platform for displaying money, fancy automobiles, and expensive lives. This change has become more popular among young people, many of whom disregard moral and ethical norms in favor of vlogging as a source of income. Originally a straightforward pastime, it is now seen as a quick route to wealth and celebrity. Regrettably, this shift drives young people away from conventional goals and undercuts social norms.
These days, nearly every third or fourth youngster has a vlogging channel where they share daily activities and happenings with no clear objective. It’s intriguing how some vloggers emphasize their family, frequently focusing on women to increase views. In addition to drawing attention, this practice calls into question how women are objectified online. Meanwhile, in an effort to gather opinions, some digital content makers create absurd and pointless stuff, which is against moral principles. The underlying problem is how this growing inclination is spreading like an infectious virus to other people, even if personal choice is a basic right. Many viewers are compelled to imitate these trends, which results in an overabundance of inaccurate and pointless content on social media.
A concerning shift in priorities has resulted from this obsession with vlogging. Young people aspired to work as scientists, engineers, and professionals. Purchasing cameras and other equipment to pursue vlogging has become one of their top priorities, sometimes at the expense of their academic goals and career ambitions. They choose short-lived celebrity and material wealth to intellectual growth. In addition to restricting their goals, this way of thinking keeps individuals from seeing their own potential.
The psychological impact of vlogging is yet another troubling aspect. Young viewers are frequently exposed to unrealistic portrayals of luxury and riches, which results in low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Many young people experience worry, hopelessness, and discontent because they are unable to live up to the opulent lifestyles they witness online. This sensation of failure is further heightened by the ongoing push to conform to trends and appearances.
The moral and ethical standards that are adhered to in many vlogs are equally troubling. Some vloggers use harsh language, mockery, and nasty behavior to attract viewers. They even use inappropriate language with their wives or treat their parents and siblings disrespectfully for the sake of ideas and engagement. This conduct sets a dangerous precedent for young viewers by promoting insensitivity, contempt, and disobedience.
Some vloggers prioritize sensationalism and consumerism, while others provide meaningful and important content. In addition to undermining individual convictions, this tendency encourages others to choose fame and wealth over integrity and expertise. Consequently, a culture of comparison, anxiety, and unfulfilled expectations has emerged, widening the gap between perception and reality.
This situation necessitates a prompt reaction before moral and ethical standards totally collapse. It is the duty of parents, educators, and lawmakers to guide the youth and protect them from the negative consequences of this tendency. Media literacy programs may help youth develop critical thinking skills, which will help them distinguish between illusion and reality. Authorities should also establish ethical standards to ensure that content creators maintain a sense of accountability in their work.
It is equally important for parents and educators to support a healthy lifestyle that includes education, hobbies, and fulfilling pursuits. Instead than directing young people toward short-term fame, successful careers that offer long-term security and growth should be encouraged. Mentoring and counseling programs can also help people set realistic goals and aspirations.
Without a doubt, the vlogging phenomenon in Pakistan has influenced the mindset of the younger generation. Even as technology offers opportunities for creative and financial success, it also raises serious privacy, ethical, and mental health concerns. By addressing these problems, it will be possible to ensure that vlogging serves as a positive tool rather than contributing to moral and societal decay. This inclination can only be directed in the right direction and under control, protecting the integrity and values of society.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
Mueed Shakeel
The author is a student of law at Government College University, Lahore.
