By Dr. Omarlin Kyndiah
Today, we are at a turning point. The world is changing fast, and our youth are stepping into the digital age with energy and hope. Platforms like Facebook Reels, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts offer new ways to share creativity, express ideas, and even earn a living. Many young people are using these tools to sing, dance, teach skills, share stories, and connect with others around the world. This is not something to fear. It shows that our youth are creative, adaptable, and full of potential. Their voices matter, and their dreams are valid. With the right guidance, they can shape a future that honors both innovation and identity.
But there is a trend we need to talk about honestly and with care. More and more, we are seeing videos where people present themselves in very revealing ways, often wearing clothing that does not reflect our cultural values or traditions. These styles are sometimes copied from global trends that focus on physical appearance to grab attention quickly. This kind of content often gets more views because it triggers strong reactions. And when videos get more views, the algorithm promotes them, which can lead to money through ads, sponsorships, or fan support. So, there is a growing pressure: the more attention you get, the more you are rewarded sometimes simply for adopting styles that go against our cultural values and community teachings. It is not about judging individuals, but about understanding the forces shaping their choices.
But this comes at a cost. When young people begin to believe their worth depends on how many likes they get or how they look in a video, they start to lose something deeper: self-respect, identity, and pride in who they are. They may begin to see themselves not as whole persons with gifts and purpose, but as objects to be watched and rated. This shift in mindset can quietly erode confidence and disconnect them from their roots. Our traditional clothing like Kyrshah, Ka Yusem, Jainsem or Dhara, Tapmoh Khlieh, Thohsaru, Ryndia, Muka, Yuspong, Yuslein, Yingki, Jymphong, beaded ornaments and embroidered garments are not old or outdated. These clothes carry meaning. They hold the wisdom of our ancestors, the artistry of past generations, and the spirit of our community. Every thread tells a story. Every pattern speaks of belonging. When someone shares a traditional dance, sings in their native language, or teaches a cultural practice with pride, they can go viral not because they copy others, but because they are genuine and rooted.
We are not against change or technology. We welcome new tools and opportunities. But real progress does not mean leaving our values behind. We can use social media to celebrate who we are, not to hide it. Anyone, whether sharing music, farming, storytelling, or craft-making can gain recognition and even earn income while staying true to their culture and dignity. In fact, authenticity often resonates more deeply than imitation. When our tribal youth share their heritage with honesty and pride, they do not just represent themselves they represent a legacy.
In our Khasi and Jaintia tradition, there is a teaching: “Wat leh tat dor kum ka kha Ujai”—Do not behave so cheaply like the Ujai fish. The Ujai fish is small and sells for very little in the market. This saying reminds us that when someone lowers themselves just for quick attention or short-term gain, they may get a moment of visibility but they lose the respect of their community. True worth is not measured by views or followers, but by how we carry ourselves, how we honor our roots, and how we treat others and ourselves with dignity. This wisdom has guided us for generations, and it is more relevant than ever in a world that rewards speed over substance.
Parents, elders, teachers- we must guide young people with love, not shame. Let us talk to them openly about the pressures of online life. Help them understand that algorithms are designed to keep people watching, but that does not mean they have to give up their values to succeed. Teach them that they can be modern and still proud of their culture. They can grow their presence online by being authentic, not by copying what is popular elsewhere. Encourage them to ask: Does this reflect who I am? Does this honor my family? Does this build something lasting? These questions can become anchors in a fast-moving digital age.
Let us support and celebrate content that shows traditional dances shared with cultural respect, songs and stories told in native languages, and skills like weaving, farming, traditional healing, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. Let community leaders and Cultural Guardians highlight these creators, share their videos, and create safe spaces for cultural expression both offline and online. When we uplift positive examples, we show young people that there is another path.
Let the world see: our way of life is not weak. Our values are not backward. The way we dress and present ourselves is not about hiding, it is about honoring who we are. Modesty, respect, and cultural pride are not signs of fear. They are signs of strength.
The future we want is not one where young people lose themselves for a few coins or temporary fame. It is a future where tradition and technology walk together hand in hand, heart to heart.
Let us raise a generation that values respect over riches, pride over popularity, and authenticity over imitation and uses the digital world not to copy, but to be themselves, share their culture, and shine with confidence and dignity.
