The Role of Communities in Countering Social Media’s Negative Effects

What if I told you that scrolling through social media could make you dumber? This idea isn’t far-fetched, especially with the growing number of studies examining how the brain functions in relation to prolonged internet usage.

For example, a journal titled ‘The “online brain”: how the Internet may be changing our cognition’ highlights three key impacts: Attention: Becomes shorter, Memory: Weakens recall ability, and Social Cognition: Affects self-concept and self-esteem.

However, rejecting social media or ignoring it altogether isn’t a wise solution, considering the numerous benefits it offers. Therefore, a balanced approach is needed. This is why I’m compelled to help young people make the most of social media for their own good.

Instead of being victims of social media, they should become agents of change through it. In this piece, I will share my experiences and hopes for the future of Indonesia’s youth.

Distrik Berisik: Where Hope Becomes Reality

The film “Doctor Strange,” before he could become a highly skilled sorcerer, he was trained and educated at a place called Kamar-Taj. Similar to Kamar-Taj, Distrik Berisik aims to become a place where remarkable individuals who positively impact Indonesia can emerge. One of the initiatives I am undertaking is creating a community platform where Indonesian youth can learn, grow, and develop through the use of social media.

The recent event, Distrik Berisik Tour, which was held in 10 cities across Indonesia, successfully gave rise to the District Representative Council (Dewan Perwakilan Distrik, DPD). The DPD was established with the goal of implementing sustainable programs to create a new ecosystem based on inclusive collaboration principles.

Here, I see firsthand that many young people are enthusiastic and optimistic about making a positive impact. They are not merely seeking to go viral for the sake of sensationalism. Instead, they are motivated to create meaningful change. This reinforces my belief that the younger generation in Indonesia is no longer interested in seeking viral sensations on social media.

The trend of performing silly pranks that harm others, which was prevalent in the past, seems to no longer be the aspiration of young people when creating content.

Treasure Hunt of Independence

On August 17, 2024, as Indonesia commemorated its Independence Day, I organized an event to celebrate this momentous occasion with the youth of Indonesia. Many say that young people no longer care about national values or the spirit of the Indonesian nation. However, this assumption is wrong. Through social media, which I continue to emphasize in this writing, we can bring value and inspire change.

I invited young people to join and enliven the event titled “Treasure Hunt of Independence.” This wasn’t just about playing games or competitions, but also included a talk show featuring prominent figures and accomplished young Indonesians.

The event turned out to be very lively, with young people flooding the venue in Kemang, South Jakarta, where the “Treasure Hunt of Independence” took place. Many of the young participants asked critical questions about the role and position of youth in this country. I could see the fiery enthusiasm in the eyes of those attending, and they proudly shared the event on their social media platforms.

The Power of Community Engagement

Jim Kwik, a renowned brain coach and expert in mental performance, acknowledges the negative effects of social media, particularly digital distraction. The constant flood of stimuli conditions the brain to seek instant gratification, diminishing one’s ability to concentrate on meaningful tasks. 

For young people, this distraction can significantly hamper academic performance. Additionally, the phenomenon of digital deluge—the overwhelming influx of information on social media—creates a feeling of being buried under data. Kwik emphasizes the critical role of one’s environment in mitigating these impacts, underscoring that managing digital distractions starts with cultivating a more mindful and focused setting.

That’s why I initiated organizational and community changes like District Berisik and community-based movements such as The Independence Treasure Hunt. I understand how crucial the environment is in shaping the character of young people. This is also why these efforts help channel the energy of using social media in a more positive and meaningful way. Once again, I emphasize that the goal is not to become victims of social media but to leverage it to create a positive impact.

Turning Social Media into a Tool for Positive Impact

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool that can either hinder or enhance personal growth, especially among the youth. As we’ve seen through movements like Distrik Berisik and events like the Independence Treasure Hunt, community-driven initiatives can transform the way young people engage with social media. Instead of falling prey to distractions and seeking short-lived viral fame, they can harness this platform to create lasting, positive impact.

By fostering environments where collaboration, growth, and meaningful interaction are prioritized, we can help the next generation leverage social media as a force for good. Ultimately, it’s not about rejecting social media, but about shaping it into a tool that empowers individuals and communities, proving that it’s possible to be both viral and valuable.

I believe the new generation in Indonesia won’t chase sensations for the sake of virality.