Why Is Youth Afraid to Join Politics Instead of Asking Questions on Social Media?

It's a common misconception that young people lack a desire to get involved in politics. In reality, the issue isn't fear but a lack of appropriate channels to participate effectively. When considering how to influence and shape a country, many youths often turn to social media debates as a way to voice their opinions and share concerns.

However, the mere act of participating on social media doesn't equate to meaningful political involvement. For the youth, the traditional path to political engagement involves joining a political party, which often requires a significant career and personal sacrifice. This poses a substantial barrier, especially considering that students are frequently occupied with preparing for competitive exams or securing jobs for a stable life after graduation.

Political Channels and Ideologically Bound Choices

There's a stark contrast between expressing opinions on social media versus joining a political party. When a youth decides to join a political party, they are essentially representing that party's views and ideology, not their own. For instance, if the party's stance on an issue differs from the youth's personal beliefs, they may have to suppress their thoughts to maintain their political career. A case in point is the JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) incident, where individuals had to navigate complex pressures to align with the party's narrative.

Constraints of Youth-Initiated Political Movements

Even if the youth were to form their own party, the challenges are numerous. In India, voter loyalty is often bound to two major political factions: the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and UPA (United Progressive Alliance). Additionally, starting a new political party requires substantial financial resources for an electoral campaign, which is often hard to come by. These factors contribute to a skepticism towards the viability of youth-led political movements.

Champions of Youth Voice: Arnab Goswami

Among the few renegade voices, Arnab Goswami stands out. Through his show, 'The NewsHour Debate' on Times Now, he challenges political figures with tough yet thoughtful questions, often prompting parliamentary discussions. His example serves as a beacon for young people who are looking for more effective ways to engage with the political process outside traditional party frameworks.

Structural Barriers and Educational Consciousness

There are several reasons why youth are less inclined to join politics. Firstly, the pressure to have an impressive debut on the political stage can be overwhelming. Today, the route to impressiveness often involves controversial actions. Secondly, observing the actions of current youth leaders also deters participation. If youth leaders are perceived to be undeserving, the youth might avoid the profession altogether. Lastly, as youth become more-educated, they tend to be less willing to risk failure in a politically unstable environment.

Ultimately, the current political landscape makes it extremely challenging for youth-initiated movements to gain traction. Large established parties hold significant sway over collective consciousness, and the hurdles to political entry are daunting. Nevertheless, encouraging more youth to engage in social media debates and consider innovative campaigns can help pave the way for change.

Conclusion

While social media debates provide a platform for youth voices, true political engagement often requires a more substantial commitment. By understanding and addressing the barriers to political participation, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse political landscape that truly reflects the views and aspirations of the youth.