The rise of social media platforms has revolutionized the way we consume and create content, arises Illiterate influencers & unethical journalism; sink creativity, loss talent & creating social degradation
Now a days all these platforms offer immense opportunities for self-expression and creativity, there is growing concern about their potential negative impact on the younger generation’s ability to develop professionally. Day by day the lure of content creation on these platforms may be hindering the transition to professional careers for many individuals.
One of the primary issues with content creation on Social Media is the potential for it to become a major distraction and time sink. The addictive nature of scrolling through feeds and creating content can lead to excessive time spent on these platforms. Consequently, valuable time that could be invested in honing professional skills, pursuing education, or gaining work experience is often wasted, hindering one’s professional development.
Social media platforms have definitely created a lot of opportunities for modern youngsters and rendered a huge amount of financial support and marketing opportunities to people. Unfortunately, this is also diverting a large number of people from their specialized fields to the world of content creation.
Study shows that a 60 hours per week working man is abandoning his job just because content creation is providing better compensation and independence rather than being in a structured professional environment. This might feel positive but ultimately it is impacting the Global Economy. The impact reflects on both the viewer and the content creator.
“How can I survive with a job of 1200-1500 Dirhams in a month? It’s not enough for spend myself in this high costly country. Still have too much credit in my home country; also I have to worry about the visa at the end of the year, then how much send to the country. Quitting my job, I start posting on facebook & youtube whatever I get in front of me Burj Khalifa or a dustbin, public not only accept also appreciate rather then those are useful or waste of time for them; platform redeem money for me.”
an expat employee from Bangladesh, Deira-Dubai
In a study, approx 12.6% of people in the USA, who used to do skilled jobs, have left their position and moved into the world of content management. This is a 12.6% total loss of domestic growth in the US economy alone.
The instant gratification culture promoted by social media platforms can foster a mindset that values immediate popularity and viral content over long-term professional goals. The pursuit of likes, comments, and followers can overshadow the importance of investing time and effort in developing the tangible skills and expertise required for a successful career. This focus on short-term validation can hinder the motivation and discipline needed to build a solid professional foundation.
While content creation on these platforms can enhance creativity and digital literacy, it often prioritizes superficial skills rather than fostering deep expertise in a specific field. The focus on quick, attention-grabbing content can lead to a lack of depth in knowledge and skills required for professional growth. This can create a generation that possesses a broad range of surface-level abilities but lacks the specialized expertise needed for career advancement.
Social media platforms have a tendency to showcase curated, idealized versions of people’s lives. Aspiring content creators may be drawn into a cycle of comparison, where they constantly measure their achievements against those of successful influencers. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discourage individuals from pursuing traditional professional paths that require time, effort, and a different pace of progress.
“I have been working at a private company for the past 8 years and now earning $4-5/hrs. My Neighbor’s son is a 19-year-old kid who just bought a brand new car by doing Tik-Tok and spending Money like rain-water. So I downloaded tik-tok and found him. He just shows off his naked body and dances and people are throwing MILLIONS at him. Now tell me, ‘Why should I be a servant and not be a tiktoker?”
an expat employee from India, Sharjah
The informal nature of content creation on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube may be at odds with traditional professional expectations and standards. While these platforms allow individuals to showcase their creativity and personality, they may not adequately prepare them for the demands of professional environments.
Developing skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and professional etiquette may take a backseat in favor of creating attention-grabbing content, potentially hampering the transition to professional careers.
Social Platforms have undoubtedly transformed the way we consume and create content, offering new avenues for self-expression and creativity. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential negative impact these platforms can have on the professional development of a generation.
By being mindful of the potential pitfalls associated with excessive content creation and encouraging a balanced approach to online activities, individuals can leverage social media platforms while also investing in their long-term professional growth.
Striking a balance between digital engagement and traditional professional development is key to fostering a generation that is not only digitally savvy but also equipped with the skills and expertise required for successful careers.
