Family vlogs: Display of opulence breeds discontent in society
Entertainment
Influencers should strive for a balanced portrayal of life rather than unattainable fairytale
Influencers transform their personal experiences into entertainment and income streams
Young viewers with limited resources find themselves comparing their lives to those of vloggers
Numerous influencers rent luxury cars or homes to create facade of affluence
By Humaira Afzal
LAHORE - Social media has woven itself into the fabric of modern life, particularly among the youth in Pakistan.
With platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok gaining traction, young people are continually exposed to content that influences their thoughts, dreams, and behaviours.
One notable trend is family vlogging, where influencers share glimpses of their personal lives, daily routines, and luxurious lifestyles.
In a country grappling with soaring inflation and widespread economic challenges, the ostentatious display of wealth on social media can lead to significant psychological and societal effects.
Family vlogging has surged in popularity in Pakistan, with numerous influencers transforming their personal experiences into entertainment and income streams.
While some vlogs highlight positive themes such as family bonding, travel, and parenting advice, many focus on flaunting luxury, expensive gifts, and extravagant celebrations.
Observing influencers living in opulent homes, driving luxury cars, and enjoying lavish vacation fosters unrealistic expectations among young viewers. Many start to perceive wealth and fame as the ultimate life goals, often overlooking the hard work or privilege that may have contributed to such success.
Young viewers, particularly those from middle-class or lower-income families, frequently find themselves comparing their lives to those of vloggers.
Witnessing influencers purchase high-end gadgets, designer clothing, or throw extravagant birthday parties can evoke feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-worth.
Family vlogs often endorse a consumer-driven culture, where happiness is equated with material possessions. Rather than prioritising education, skill development, or career advancement, many young people become fixated on acquiring branded items to conform to an "elite" social image.
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The pressure to project an image of wealth on social media has driven many young people to take out loans or engage in questionable practices to keep up with unrealistic beauty and lifestyle expectations.
Its only “The Rise of the ‘Fake It Till You Make It’ Culture”. Numerous influencers rent luxury cars or homes to create a façade of affluence, misleading their followers in the process.
The trend of social media influencers showcasing luxury goods is especially concerning given the fact that Pakistan is grappling with significant economic difficulties, including inflation, increasing unemployment, and a growing wealth divide.
On the other hand, many young individuals from modest families, unable to afford a lavish lifestyle, experience frustration and face mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
The constant barrage of wealth on social media leads them to question their own financial circumstances. Some young people, eager to achieve financial success quickly, resort to illegal activities like online scams, hacking, or fraud to replicate the luxurious lifestyles they observe online.
The extravagant showoffs will gradually erode cultural and ethical values in Pakistan. The fixation on wealth and fame is shifting societal values, where qualities such as humility, hard work, and honesty are overshadowed.
Success is increasingly measured by followers, likes, and online fame rather than genuine accomplishments. Many teenagers pressure their parents to purchase expensive gadgets, designer clothing, or fund lavish trips, adding financial strain to families already burdened by inflation.
In an effort to meet their children’s demands, parents may resort to loans or cut back on essential expenses and corruption rate will be increased for sure.
Read More: Famous family vloggers Asad, Nimra decide to give up vlogging
The influencers wield considerable influence over their followers. Yet, many fail to recognise the weight of responsibility that accompanies their reach. Social media platforms exacerbate this issue by favouring viral content, often promoting extravagant and unrealistic lifestyles instead of meaningful or educational material.
Influencers should strive for a balanced portrayal of life, highlighting both the genuine challenges and successes rather than presenting an unattainable fairytale.
Educational institutions should implement programmes focused on financial literacy, equipping young people with skills in budgeting, saving, and setting realistic financial goals.
Young individuals should be motivated to engage with content that fosters skills, education, and personal development rather than merely chasing materialistic dreams.
Parents must take an active role in their children's social media habits, helping them discern between realities and curated online personas. While social media and family vlogging can provide entertainment and information, their detrimental effects on youth in Pakistan are clear, particularly in a challenging economic landscape.
The culture of ostentation on social media promotes unrealistic expectations, financial strain, and a skewed understanding of success. There is an urgent need for increased awareness, responsible content creation, and media literacy to help young people cultivate healthy views on life, success, and financial stability.
The writer is a Lahore-based lawyer, who pens topical write-ups advocating the need to uphold rule of law and human dignity
