Emerging Trend of Social Media Exploitation by Youth in Kashmir
Recent investigations by security agencies in Kashmir have revealed a troubling trend where youths are using social media to glorify separatists and terrorists. This practice is not driven by ideology but rather by a strategic effort to increase followers and generate income from advertisers. The Srinagar police are actively monitoring these activities, having detained several individuals linked to such accounts. The trend raises concerns about the blurred lines between political dissent and financial gain, prompting authorities to educate families about the potential consequences for their children. As the digital economy evolves, the use of provocative content for follower growth highlights the complexities of social media monetization in the region.
Aug 4, 2025, 15:23 IST
Social Media's Role in Promoting Extremism
Security agencies have uncovered a new trend in the Kashmir Valley where some youths are utilizing social media to glorify separatists and terrorists. This phenomenon is driven not by ideological commitment, but rather by a calculated strategy aimed at increasing followers and generating revenue from advertisers. The Srinagar police are making every effort to monitor social media platforms to combat extremism. The police became aware of this trend after detaining several youths linked to such accounts.
During questioning, the youths admitted that using provocative images—such as those of the slain terrorist Burhan Wani from the banned Hizbul Mujahideen—was a deliberate tactic to amass a large follower base. They explained that this strategy enabled them to later secure advertisements from advertisers on their social media accounts. Authorities noted that after gaining a significant number of followers, particularly from across the border and abroad, account operators would replace these images with scenic pictures of mountains or Chinar trees.
Officials expressed concern over this emerging trend, as it complicates the distinction between political dissent, extremist elements, and individuals seeking fame and fortune. While the police are determined to enhance their surveillance and take strict action against those exploiting sensitive security situations for personal gain, efforts are also underway to educate families about the potential impact on their children's futures. Recently, seven minors detained by the police were released after receiving counseling in front of their parents.
Authorities believe that the motivation behind the use of provocative images by social media influencers in the Kashmir Valley is primarily financial. In the digital realm, where monetization of content has become a new objective, the race for likes, shares, and revenue has led to a murky landscape. Most of these influencers rely on brand partnerships on social media platforms, promoting products or integrating them into their content. According to two prominent influencers operating on three social platforms, the revenue-sharing model remains unclear despite the blue-tick verification system.
One influencer, who requested anonymity, described this process as "opaque," noting that the factors determining payment frequency and amounts remain a mystery. The investigation into how young Kashmiris are using separatist imagery to boost their follower counts reveals a deeper and more complex narrative within the modern digital economy. The pursuit of becoming an online celebrity is often linked to monetization goals, a process that can sometimes be straightforward but is not guaranteed.
Monetization on major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube involves a combination of direct advertising revenue, subscriptions, and brand deals, each with its own rules and constraints. Additionally, having a professional account on another social media platform requires 10,000 followers and content that has been viewed for a thousand minutes within 60 days. Thus, the use of provocative content to increase follower counts in Kashmir appears to be a direct consequence of this unstable digital economy.