Kashmir's Digital Gold Rush: How Youngsters Leverage Social Media
In Kashmir Valley, some youngsters are exploiting social media to glorify separatists for followers and revenue. Detained youths admitted using provocative imagery as a follower-gaining tactic, later switching to harmless content for monetization. Authorities highlight financial motivations behind this trend amid ongoing efforts to curb such practices.
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- India
Security agencies in the Kashmir Valley have uncovered a concerning trend where some local youngsters are utilizing social media platforms to glorify separatist and terrorist figures. However, it is not for ideological reasons but rather a calculated strategy to increase their follower base and earn money through advertisers.
Srinagar police have been actively monitoring social media sites to counter such radicalization efforts. Their findings emerged after detaining several youths who managed these accounts. During interrogations, these individuals admitted to deliberately using inflammatory imagery, such as that of the slain terrorist Burhan Wani, to boost their social media engagement.
Once they gained substantial followers, particularly from international audiences, the account handlers reportedly replaced the radical imagery with more neutral content like mountain or Chinar tree photos. The authorities acknowledge this tactic as a financial maneuver in a digital economy where content monetization is a growing goal, highlighting the overlap of online fame and revenue motivations.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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