As the Bihar Assembly elections intensify, a new and unexpected battleground has emerged: the debate over social media reels and affordable internet data, while prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed cheap data as a significant achievement of his government, empowering the youth, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and political strategist Prashant Kishor have launched sharp criticisms, framing it as a waste of time and a distraction from core development issues. This discourse transcends mere political rhetoric, delving into broader questions about Digital India’s objectives, youth employment, and the pervasive impact of social media on society.
Rahul Gandhi's Counter-Narrative
Kicking off his Bihar election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the accessibility of cheap data and the rise of social media reels as key successes of his administration. He proudly stated that due to his government's efforts, the cost of 1 GB of data in India has fallen to less than that of a cup of tea. Modi asserted that millions of Bihari youth are leveraging this affordable internet to showcase their talent and creativity to the world, thereby earning a substantial income. The Prime Minister's remarks not only claimed progress in realizing the Digital India vision but also aimed to position his government as a facilitator of self-employment and new digital opportunities for the youth.
Immediately following PM Modi's statement, the Bihar Congress swiftly retaliated by sharing an old video clip featuring Rahul Gandhi's views on social media usage, while in the video, Gandhi sharply criticizes the youth's habit of watching reels, stating that they spend 7-8 hours daily on them, constantly sharing with friends. He made a pointed remark: "Ambani and Adani's sons don't watch videos; they're busy counting money. " The Congress's intention was clear: to counter the narrative of cheap data and reels as an achievement, instead portraying it as a significant waste of time and a cause for concern for the youth's future, thereby highlighting a stark ideological difference between the ruling party and the opposition.
Prashant Kishor's Intervention
Political strategist Prashant Kishor (PK), convenor of Jan Suraj, also weighed in on the debate with a scathing critique. Responding to PM Modi’s remarks, he asserted, "Two days ago, Prime Minister Modi said in Bihar that we're providing cheap data, while i want to tell him – ‘We don't want data; we want a son’ (referring to jobs and development). " PK accused the government of taking factories to Gujarat while leaving Bihar with only data, implying that the youth here are left with nothing but video calls to see their children. His statement was a direct attack on the lack of employment opportunities for the youth and the slow pace of industrial development in Bihar, connecting the digital debate to broader issues of economic and social inequality.
**The Creator vs.
The ongoing debate also illuminates a crucial distinction between reel creators and reel viewers. Prime Minister Modi's speech primarily focused on reel creators, many of whom have gained recognition and financial independence through social media, while numerous success stories have emerged where young individuals are leveraging their creativity to generate significant income. In contrast, Rahul Gandhi and other critics draw attention to the millions of young people who. Spend a considerable portion of their day merely watching reels, often referred to as 'doom scrolling. ' Research indicates that the number of reel viewers far outweighs creators, and this extensive use of time often negatively impacts their studies, careers, and personal development.
Health and Societal Impact
Concerns are also mounting regarding the health impacts of excessive social media and screen time. Doctors and experts widely consider prolonged screen use detrimental to both mental and physical well-being. According to a survey by the National Library of Medicine, internet. Addiction is linked to a reduction in self-control within the socio-cognitive framework. This research, focusing on the various positive and negative effects of social media on education and students, suggests that limiting students' and young people's access to social media is crucial to mitigating its negative consequences. Reducing the time spent on social media platforms can alleviate most of the harm, transforming this electoral debate into a broader societal concern.
