Inspire Positivity

As we open our mobile phones, in the morning and start looking for the forwarded jokes to start the day with a smile-we get flooded with videos and many creative jokes. Sometimes, these are directed to the technology too. I remember, one of them which ended up with a remark on the ‘modern technology’ that it has taken us back from ‘signatures’ to ‘thumb impression’ and ‘facial recognition’ for our identification. While this surely brought smile on my face, it also raised a genuine concern about excessive use of social media and technology.   

In a recent article, noted writer Chetan Bhagat (Article inset above), has cited students from a private Indian University, whose parents sent them to expensive private schools and are continuing their education in an expensive private university not being able to explain what they were protesting about and the placards they were carrying for the protest. This, according to him is forming an ‘undereducated’ class in India.

The article identifies two major reasons for this viz. ‘Aversion to Read’ and ‘Addition to distractions’ from social media platforms.  

Indeed, the concern about the impact of social media and reduced reading habits on the intellectual development of youth is certainly valid. The analysts have warned about excessive usage of social media platforms and preferring to learn from the passive methods of learning could generate the following behavioural changes:

1. Reduced Critical Thinking: Reading encourages deep thinking and analysis, which can be diminished with passive video consumption.
2. Reduced Attention Span: Reading typically requires sustained attention, whereas videos often offer quick, flashy content, potentially shortening attention spans.
3. Depleted Memory Formation: Reading aids in memory formation and retention, while videos may not engage memory as effectively due to their passive nature.
4. Depleted Language Skills: Reading enhances vocabulary, grammar, and language comprehension, which may suffer with decreased reading habits.
5. Depleted Imagination and Creativity: Reading stimulates imagination and creativity, fostering a richer mental landscape than passive video consumption.
6. Dependency on Visual Stimuli: Relying heavily on videos can lead to a dependency on visual stimuli, potentially limiting one’s ability to imagine and visualize.
7. Depth of Understanding: Reading allows for in-depth exploration of topics, while videos often offer surface-level understanding, leading to shallower comprehension.

The Popularity of Video based Media:

According to the data published on the ‘Global Statistics’, there are about 513.92 million WhatsApp users in India in 2024 out whom about 25 percent use WhatsApp many times a day. Likewise, there are about 516.92 million Instagram Users in India in 2024, most of whom belong to younger generation. This platform is highly popular for photo and video sharing among youth. There are about 492.70 million Facebook users, 384.06 million use Telegram, 343.92 million use Facebook messenger and 44.82 Crores use You- Tube Users, which is immensely popular in India.

Besides, these informal options, where most young people spend a major portion of their time, there are more professionally oriented platforms like the following:

Cousea: A subscription-based platform offering a wide range of online classes from top universities and institutions, which is believed to have millions of subscribers from India (Reference: Heckr.io)

Udemy: Known for its extensive library of courses on diverse topics and considered Ideal for casual learning and niche interests.

Skillshare: Focuses on creative skills such as design, photography, and writing.

edX: Provides free online courses from universities worldwide for a fee.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Offers certification preparation and continuing education units (CEUs), considered great for professional development.

Video Based Learning Vis-à-vis Traditional Learning:

Learning from Videos has become a natural tendency because of the convenience, accessibility, and interactive features. Yet it is a passive method of learning when compared to the traditional learning from books, formal teaching, group discussions etc.

I talked to some of the IT experts and some of them argued that before the advent of the script and or written language too, people have learnt and developed. Let’s delve into this development a little more. If we were to consider methods of learning chronologically, the methods, the times before the script used the following methods of learning:

Oral Tradition: Knowledge was passed down through generations orally, using storytelling, songs, chants, and mnemonic devices to aid memory and retention.

Observation and Mimicry: Learning occurred through direct observation of others’ actions and behaviours, followed by imitation and practice.

Repetition: Concepts were reinforced through repeated exposure and practice, with elders often repeating important information to ensure retention.

Association: Knowledge was often linked to sensory experiences or familiar concepts, aiding in retention and recall.

Trial and Error: Learning was facilitated through trial and error, where individuals experimented with different methods and solutions to solve problems and acquire new skills.

Interpersonal Communication: Collaboration and discussion with others facilitated learning, allowing individuals to share and exchange knowledge, perspectives, and experiences.

Environmental Awareness: People developed a keen awareness of their natural environment, learning from interactions with the world around them and adapting their behavior accordingly.

Symbolic Representation: Before written language, symbolic representations such as cave paintings, petroglyphs, and artifacts served as visual aids for conveying information and knowledge. The remanences of these can still be found in the Bheem Bathika rock shelters near Bhopal known for their prehistoric rock paintings, which is one of the oldest art galleries of the world. I could see the paintings that could be telling about the animals found in the vicinity.

A major chunk of these traditional learning methods continued even after the advent of script, which, in my opinion aided learning by introducing documentation and retention of knowledge in the form of books.

But the video based learning and virtual world are tending to replace these methods entirely.   

Let us examine the disadvantage of learning from the passive methods like videos instead of the above methods of learning that have been tried for ages:

1. Oral Tradition: While videos can still incorporate storytelling elements, the direct transmission from elders to younger generations is diminished as oral storytelling is replaced by visual media. This lack of human connection has introduced a gap in social behaviour.
2. Observation and Mimicry: With the rise of video-based learning, there is less emphasis on direct observation and mimicry. Instead of learning through firsthand experience and imitation, individuals may rely more on passive viewing, potentially reducing opportunities for practical skill development.
3. Repetition: While repetition remains a key aspect of learning, the passive nature of video consumption may lead to less active engagement and repetition. Without active participation and practice, the effectiveness of repetition in reinforcing concepts may be diminished.
4. Association: Videos can still facilitate association by linking knowledge to visual and auditory stimuli. However, the immersive nature of sensory experiences and personal connections may be less pronounced compared to direct interactions with the environment or sensory-rich storytelling.
5. Trial and Error: Video-based learning may limit opportunities for hands-on experimentation and trial and error. While some videos may include demonstrations or simulations, the interactive aspect of trial- and- error learning may be less prominent in passive viewing.
6. Interpersonal Communication: Collaboration and discussion are often less prominent in video-based learning, as individuals typically engage with content independently. While online forums and discussion platforms exist, they may not fully replicate the depth of interpersonal communication and knowledge exchange found in face-to-face interactions.
7. Environmental Awareness: Passive video consumption reduce opportunities for direct interaction with the natural environment, potentially impacting environmental awareness and adaptive behaviours. Without firsthand experiences outdoors, individuals may have a more limited understanding of their surroundings.
8. Symbolic Representation: While videos can convey information visually, they may not fully capture the symbolic depth and cultural significance found in traditional forms of symbolic representation such as cave paintings and artifacts. The richness of symbolic communication may be lost in the transition to digital media.

It is noted that video-based learning offers numerous benefits in terms of accessibility and visual engagement Yet, it also poses challenges to traditional methods of learning that rely on active participation, interpersonal interaction, and sensory experiences. Majorly relying on video-based learning, which is fast picking up amongst youth seems to be gradually taking the younger generation to lesser application of mind.

In my opinion, they are opting to slip into an age of ignorance which will take away or at least diminish their mental abilities that the human race is proud of.

This is seemingly a dangerous trend and requires immediate attention.

In view of the foregoing, finding a balance between passive and active learning approaches is essential for promoting holistic cognitive development and knowledge acquisition.

The Way Forward

We started this blog with a concern about the lack of knowledge an application of mind among the youth, addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach involving educators, parents, policymakers, and technology companies.

These include:

1. Encouraging a balanced approach to technology use:
   • Advocate for moderation in technology usage, emphasizing the importance of setting limits on screen time for both recreational and educational purposes.
   • Encourage activities that promote physical movement, social interaction, and hands-on learning to complement digital experiences.
   • Educate youth about the potential negative effects of excessive screen time, such as decreased attention span, disrupted sleep patterns, and social isolation, while also highlighting the benefits of technology when used mindfully.
2. Promoting media literacy skills:
   • Provide education on how to critically evaluate and analyse media sources, including websites, social media platforms, and online news outlets.
   • Teach youth to identify bias, misinformation, and propaganda, empowering them to make informed decisions and engage critically with digital content.
   • Offer opportunities for media creation, such as video production, podcasting, and digital storytelling, to foster a deeper understanding of media production processes and enhance media literacy skills.
3. Fostering a love for reading through access to diverse and engaging content:
   • Cultivate a supportive reading environment at home, school, and in the community, with access to a wide range of books, magazines, and digital resources.
   • Promote reading for pleasure by highlighting the joy and escapism that literature can provide, encouraging youth to explore genres and authors that resonate with their interests and identities.
   • Incorporate diverse perspectives and voices into reading materials to reflect the richness of human experience and promote empathy and understanding among youth.
4. Creating supportive environments that prioritize intellectual curiosity and critical thinking:
   • Foster a culture of inquiry and exploration, where asking questions and challenging assumptions are encouraged and valued.
   • Provide opportunities for hands-on learning, problem-solving, and creative expression across various subjects and disciplines.
   • Support youth in developing metacognitive skills, such as self-reflection and self-regulation, to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
   • Foster mentorship and peer learning opportunities, where youth can engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that stimulate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills.

By implementing these strategies, educators, parents, and communities can empower youth to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence, curiosity, and resilience, ensuring their continued growth and engagement as informed and active citizens.