Alhaj Md. Abu Yusuf: (5th Episode) We talked a little bit about the devastating effects of the Internet and the virtual world on families. In today`s session we will discuss its impact on human ethics and character.

As we all know, the journey of internet has started from the modern society of western. And for this reason, everything has been arranged based on the conventional systems and their needs in the modern society of the West. All in all, the Western world has an exclusive dominance of Western ideals and culture. And this has created a moral and cultural threat to the Muslim family and society. Members of Muslim families are also facing situations and situations through the use of the Internet that are forbidden from a family, social and religious point of view. Due to the use of internet, such problems are being created in such families and societies which are not desirable in any way. From the creation of rifts between husband and wife, various changes in the behavior of children are being noticed due to the influence of internet.

There is no doubt that communication has become easier thanks to the internet. Thanks to the social media, the number of friends is increasing and the conversation is also increasing. But have we ever wondered how useful that conversation is and how useless it is? Not only that, in most cases we do not know the identity of the children and teenagers with whom we are making friends or spending time talking. Many accidents are happening due to getting involved without knowing the identity. Young people get involved with many people who are actually cheaters. Their main job is to deceive the young and inexperienced by hiding their names, identities and ages. Monitoring children`s behavior has become much more difficult. Young people in particular are being easily deceived.

One study found that most of the topics discussed on social media among adolescents are sexual. Adolescent boys and girls are often preoccupied with such matters without the knowledge of their parents, which is totally unacceptable in Muslim society. Because such a relationship has been declared haram in Islam. The main regulators of the virtual world are opposed to establishing control over sex. Because they see capitalism and sex as one of the main tools for profit. Because of their attitude, sex is being spread to people of all ages. As a result, the moral boundaries are disappearing. This situation is a serious threat to religious culture, especially Islamic culture. Sadly, because of this situation, young people who watch pornography and read pornographic stories are becoming interested in something before they reach adulthood, which is enough to destroy the whole social system.

Internet usage is increasing day by day as smart phones are readily available. Many are getting addicted to the internet. There are five main reasons why people are so attracted to the Internet and the virtual world. One- inclination towards various sexual matters; Two- strong interest in building new relationships through the Internet; Three- the tendency towards such addictive games including gambling; Four- Excessive interest in collecting new information and addiction to the latest computer games. People who are addicted to the Internet usually have less social activity, less interest in everyday work. Loses interest in reading and in some cases loses control of the Internet.

Many Internet addicts usually spend more than six hours a day sitting in front of a computer, laptop, mobile phone or tablet, with little interest in mixing with their peers or friends. They think that the device in front of them is their big friend. In fact, it is very difficult to be friends with someone if they spend so much time during the day busy with computer games or sexual websites at the age when the most suitable age for friendship is formed. This trend is more noticeable among the youth. In fact, young people are becoming lonely in real life due to excessive internet use. In this situation, parents and teachers of such children have many responsibilities. Not only should children be encouraged to use technology, they should also be given equal importance in becoming social. Otherwise they will not be able to solve many real life problems. Due to their over-reliance on the Internet and the virtual world, it will be difficult for them to enjoy the real pleasures of life.

(To be continued...)

Author: Alhaj Md. Abu Yusuf is a Columnist, Literary and Chairman of Ababil Hajj Group