Young generation getting directionless in the broadcast of nonsense
Dr. Priyanka Saurabh
If there’s one thing spreading the fastest these days, it’s “nonsense.” The only difference is that this nonsense is no longer confined to tea shops or community centers, but is being broadcast to society as a whole, emblazoned on smartphone screens in the form of “reels” and “vlogs.”
There was a time when young people woke up to their dreams, but today they wake up to notifications. Goals used to be set, but trends are now set. Hard work used to get applause, but now nonsense gets likes and shares. It’s this shift that has slowly pushed the younger generation into a direction where there’s a lot of noise, but no substance.
Reels and vlogs, originally intended as outlets for creativity and expression, have become a race where the ultimate goal is not quality but “viral.” In this race, it’s the noise surrounding the content, not the content itself, that matters. The more bizarre, the more sensational, the more popular it becomes. As a result, words like seriousness, sensitivity, and wisdom are gradually being marginalized.
A large segment of today’s young generation is racing to become “content creators,” but no one is thinking about what they’re creating or why. The moment the camera is on, the acting begins, and the moment it’s off, the emptiness of reality is revealed. This is a world where pretense has become the ultimate identity.
The most worrying aspect is that this nonsense has now become considered normal and acceptable. The more time one spends on screens, the more “up-to-date” one is considered. The truth is, this isn’t updating, but rather a form of mental fatigue and disorientation.
Today’s youth spend hours thinking about what to show in the next reel, but don’t take the time to think about what they want to do in life. It’s ironic that the generation with the most resources appears the most confused and scattered.
This problem isn’t just a waste of time; it’s also affecting our ability to think. The habit of constantly watching short videos has weakened our ability to concentrate. The tendency to think deeply, read, and understand is diminishing. Everything is needed quickly—fast entertainment, quick fame, and quick success.
In this era of vlogs and reels, another dangerous trend has emerged—copying. Originality has been replaced by copy-paste. Once a trend catches on, everyone starts replicating it. In this process, nothing new is created, nor is any meaningful message conveyed. It simply results in a pile of the same nonsense.
Its impact on society is clearly visible. Demonstration has replaced dialogue. People now believe more in spectacle than in living. It has become increasingly necessary to capture every event, whether personal or sensitive, on camera. This trend is not only eroding privacy but also weakening sensibilities.
It’s safe to say we’ve entered a time where “bullshit” has become an industry. It’s taking time, money, and—most importantly—the energy of the young generation. But what do we get in return? A few likes, a few followers, and a false sense of satisfaction that fades away in a matter of moments.
To overcome this situation, we must first acknowledge that there is a problem. As long as we ignore it as mere “entertainment,” there’s no solution.
The younger generation needs to understand that it’s not necessary to be a part of every trend. It’s not necessary to make every Reel. And most importantly—it’s not necessary to watch and share every nonsense.
We need a balance. Use technology, but don’t become its slave. Create Reels, but they should have substance. Vlog, but they should have truth. If we use this medium in the right direction, it can become a powerful tool. But if it is allowed to become a medium of nonsense, it will only give this generation noise and emptiness.
Finally, it’s important to remember that the future isn’t built on likes and views, but on hard work, discipline, and the right direction. If the younger generation doesn’t understand this difference in time, “Reels, Vlogs, and Nonsense” will become not just a trend, but a serious social crisis.
Today, the question isn’t which video goes viral, but which ideas survive. Because ultimately, it’s those ideas that guide society—not nonsense.
Dr. Priyanka Saurabh, PhD (Political Science), is a poet and social thinker.
