The Erosion of Freedom: How “Woke Culture” and Modern Evils Are Endangering India’s Youth and Society

The Erosion of Freedom: How “Woke Culture” and Modern Evils Are Endangering India’s Youth and Society

India, a land once celebrated for its values of modesty, community, and resilience, stands today at a critical juncture, swayed by the illusionary Western tide of “freedom.” The meaning of “freedom” has transformed in the 21st century, often viewed as a symbol of youth liberation and modernity. But behind the dazzle of this so-called progress lies a troubling reality—the rising trend of “woke culture.” A term that signifies a carefree, indulgent lifestyle, fuelled by consumerism, digital influence, and unchecked vices. Is this a natural choice of the youth, or a calculated conspiracy imposed by market forces? And what about the society that once blushed at the mention of obscenity, now grappling with exploitative industries and moral decay?

This article dives deep into the cultural shifts of modern India, shedding light on addiction, human trafficking, the pornography industry masquerading as entertainment, and the erosion of social values. Through research, data, and critical analysis, we aim to understand how these forces are not just threatening India’s youth but the very foundation of its civilisation.

The Rise of “Woke Culture”: Freedom or Deception?

“Woke culture” symbolises a lifestyle where freedom is equated with unrestrained indulgence—a freedom that, in truth, barely exists. It promotes late-night parties, casual relationships, and the rejection of traditional norms. Some see it as the youth’s natural rebellion, but a closer look reveals a deeper plot: commercialisation. The decline of culture and the onset of mental degradation that slowly gnaws at India’s soul and identity.

Global entertainment and lifestyle industries have long profited by glamourising indulgence. In India, this is evident through cafes, nightlife, and digital content that glorify perversion under the guise of freedom. According to a 2023 Statista report, India’s cafe market is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2027, driven by urban youth chasing “Instagram-worthy” experiences. This is no coincidence but a deliberate strategy by companies targeting young people seeking identity and belonging. We aren’t doing it—a world of pretence is making us do it. It’s about labelling your own culture as shackles and luring you into a culture with neither a future nor a real existence.

But the consequences go far beyond what seems like just a cup of coffee in your eyes. Normalising “freedom” as indulgence has opened the door to evils that prey on vulnerabilities. A question might pop into your mind: “Is this just the youth’s choice, or is the market being groomed to spread it?” The answer lies in the marriage of profit and power. Just as the medical mafia profits by creating diseases (a fitting metaphor for “biological warfare”), industries rake in profits by manufacturing desires—be it addiction, sex, or the urge to chase something beyond.

Who’s falling prey to this freedom the most? Women? Are they truly happy? Or is their happiness short-lived, a virtual dream? The youth are swept away in this current, driven by a single motive—following trends. But have we ever stopped to think about how trends are created? The answer: through calculated spending. “Ghibli” is a fresh example—if you’re not part of it, you feel like you’re lagging in some race. Yet, in reality, it makes no logical sense. On the contrary, you forget a stark truth: anything that goes online can never be fully erased or stopped, no matter the circumstances. Moreover, this very data is used to train AI, meaning bits of your information will inevitably be used somewhere, somehow—whether in your favour or against it.

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The internet’s structure is decentralised, making it a technology where data is spread across multiple servers, nodes, and cache systems. When content (like the “Ghibli” example) is uploaded online, it can instantly be copied across various platforms—websites, social media, cloud storage, or even personal devices. This is technically called “data replication,” which enhances the internet’s speed and accessibility. However, this very feature makes it impossible to remove content entirely. For instance, if a video goes viral, it can persist on other platforms or peer-to-peer networks (like torrents) even after being deleted from its original source.

Additionally, “digital footprints” and “web archiving” technologies, such as the Wayback Machine (archive.org), maintain historical records of online content. Once something goes online, erasing it completely becomes impossible because some trace always remains. Even modern technologies like blockchain, which make data immutable, further complicate this issue.

A recent example: In 2023, after the “Kulhad Pizza” couple’s private video leaked, an Indian High Court ordered its removal from the internet. Yet, due to technical limitations, it continued to spread across unofficial sites and chat groups. This shows that the internet’s very structure is the biggest barrier to stopping such content.

Source: This argument is based on general knowledge of the internet’s technical structure and web archiving, inspired by real cases like “Rakhi Sawant High Court ordered to remove private videos” (jansatta.com, 25 March 2023). -(Reasoning provided by Grok – in the context of online information)

The Drug Trend: India’s Future Hovering on the Brink of Destruction

The most dangerous consequence of this cultural shift is the rising trend of drug addiction in India. Once merely a transit route for narcotics, India is now fast becoming a major consumer. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2022, cannabis use in India surged by 30% and opioid consumption by 70% between 2010 and 2020. Synthetic drugs like methamphetamine are infiltrating urban areas, with seizures doubling over the past five years.

In India, the youth are the primary victims. A 2021 study by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment revealed that 13.1% of India’s population aged 10–75—roughly 150 million people—are entangled in substance abuse, with alcohol, cannabis, and opioids topping the list. Among college students, one in five has experimented with drugs due to peer pressure or the allure of “freedom.” Films glamorising it, social media influencers flaunting their lifestyles—these pull the youth towards this abyss.

Had this been confined to TV channels or cinema screens, its spread might have been limited. But since the dawn of this century, the internet has deepened this crisis. The dark web and apps like Telegram, born in this digital age, have brought drugs just a few clicks away. A 2023 investigation by The Times of India uncovered that in Mumbai alone, over 200 drug peddlers are targeting students and young professionals through social media. This isn’t just individual weakness—it’s a systematic assault on India’s future, costing the nation an estimated $15 billion annually (NITI Aayog, 2022).

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Modern technology, especially social media platforms and digital marketing, has become a powerful tool in glamorising drugs and establishing them as a synonym for “freedom” in lifestyle choices. Algorithm-driven content delivery systems (like TikTok and Instagram Reels) track user preferences and serve personalised content. When a young person watches glamorous videos related to drugs—think parties, drug-inspired music, or posts flaunting the “high life”—machine learning algorithms register it as a “like” and push more such content. This creates a “feedback loop,” normalising and making drugs aspirational.

Add to this the commercial players—like the tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis industries—who leverage digital ads and influencer marketing. They package drugs as “cool” and a symbol of “freedom.” For instance, through targeted advertising techniques, these companies use data analytics to pinpoint the age, interests, and online behaviour of the youth, influencing them directly. Deepfakes and AI-generated content are now creeping into drug-promoting ads, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.

The result? In young minds, drugs shift from being a vice to a “lifestyle choice.” Neuroscience tells us that constant exposure to such content triggers dopamine release, deepening the addiction. For the nation, this translates into economic losses (burden on healthcare, reduced productivity) and social ruin (crime, broken families).

A recent example: In 2022, Juul Labs in the US faced a lawsuit for promoting the “vaping” (e-cigarette) trend, accused of targeting teens via social media ads and influencers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, Juul used data analytics to tie vaping to a “free and trendy” lifestyle, sparking a massive surge in addiction.

Source: “Juul Labs Targeted Teens with Ads, Lawsuit Claims” (The New York Times, 31 July 2022) | FTC Report: “E-Cigarette Marketing and Youth” (ftc.gov, 2022)

Human Trafficking: The Dark Shadow of Exploitation

Another chilling facet linked to the drug trade is human trafficking, which can be seen as a gravely serious problem thriving as a consequence of “woke culture.” India is increasingly becoming a source, transit point, and destination for human trafficking. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 6,533 cases were reported in 2022—a 25% rise from the previous year. Yet, experts believe the actual number could be ten times higher, as most cases go unreported. The result? The influence of powerful individuals, misuse of authority, or their sway over government machinery.

“Woke culture” promotes nightlife, drugs, a soft corner for prostitution, and casual relationships (born of lust and perversion), creating the perfect opportunity for traffickers to seize their chance. Young men and women, lured by promises of jobs or glamour, often end up trapped in brothels or forced labour. A 2023 report by the NGO Save the Children states that 60% of trafficking victims in India are under 25 years old, many ensnared by social media scams or fake modelling offers. This is where India’s soft porn industry took root, now fully transformed into hardcore pornography. You might wonder, “What’s it to us?” But clips from these shows make their way to social media, where even your 2–5-year-old kids unknowingly stumble upon them.

Woke culture serves as the pathway through which trafficking and the flesh trade have forged an alliance. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that human trafficking generates $150 billion annually worldwide, with India contributing a significant share. This isn’t freedom—it’s slavery disguised as opportunity. Countless youths chasing “freedom,” or others caught in their wake, are pushed into a painful, wretched existence. Ordinary school and college girls are becoming tools to satisfy lust, while women, under the banner of “freedom,” are turning into objects of desire through multiple relationships or drug-induced stupors. This is the deliberate outcome of embedding this culture into our lifestyle.

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The internet and social media have not only fuelled “hookup culture” but also opened a new avenue for human trafficking and the flesh trade. Dating apps (like Tinder, Bumble) and social media platforms (Instagram, Snapchat) are exploited by traffickers using algorithm-based targeting and fake profiles. They first lure youths—especially school and college girls—with promises of jobs, modelling gigs, or relationships. This process, known as “cyber grooming,” uses technology to build trust. Once contact is established, encrypted messaging apps (like WhatsApp, Telegram) are used to extract sensitive information or photos, later wielded for blackmail or to force victims into prostitution.

Technology plays a dual role here: it glorifies relationships and drugs under the guise of “freedom,” putting youth at risk, while also enabling traffickers to stay anonymous and organise their networks. According to the International Labour Organization’s 2024 report, forced labour in the private sector generates $236 billion in illegal profits, with digital platforms in countries like India playing a significant role. Using data analytics and AI, traffickers target vulnerable groups—like young women migrating from rural areas to cities, trapped in the dream of “freedom.”

Example: In 2023, Delhi Police busted an online sex racket where young women were lured into the flesh trade via Telegram and Instagram with promises of “modelling jobs.” Such cases reveal how technology creates opportunities for trafficking.

Source: ILO Report: “Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour” (ilo.org, 18 March 2024)

The Hidden Rise of the Porn Industry: From Shame to Shamelessness

You must have felt this shift on the internet. Be it movie download websites or social media platforms like Instagram, porn is now openly available—not just in films but disguised as web series. The most shocking change in recent times, or over the past five to ten years, is India’s journey from “shame over porn” to “shamelessness in the name of entertainment.” In just a decade, India has become a global hub for the consumption and production of adult content. According to Pornhub Insights’ 2022 report, India ranks among the top five countries, with over 30% of its users being women—a significant jump from 26% in 2015.

Do you think this shift happened on its own? The answer is no. Foreign production houses, once dominant in this trade, now pale in comparison to India’s own “web series” industry, simply because the latter has blurred the boundaries of obscenity and surged ahead. An analysis by The Quint in 2021 revealed that over 300 Indian web series released between 2018 and 2020 contained explicit adult content, marketed as “new-age thinking.” Platforms like ALTBalaji and Ullu gained massive popularity among the 18–35 age group. These are just two of the biggest names, but their numbers have swelled into the thousands and continue to grow. Every actor and actress working in these projects has started selling it personally on platforms like OnlyFans, openly turning into a modern avatar of brothels and rising relentlessly.

The facts and figures are staggering: India’s online adult entertainment market is worth $1.2 billion and could reach $3 billion by 2028 (IMARC Group, 2023). But the cost is priceless. A 2019 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that excessive consumption of adult content leads to aggression and a lack of sensitivity among youth, with one in four men admitting it altered their perception of women. This isn’t freedom—it’s the hijacking of culture, turning intimacy into a commodity and eroding respect. Shows like India Got Latent, a current talking point, create an environment to normalise this, further fuelling such activities. Normalisation is the deadliest weapon—it sells a gun as a toy.

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Platforms like ALTBalaji, Ullu, and OnlyFans have normalised adult content under the guise of “new-age thinking” and “personal freedom,” leveraging streaming technology and subscription-based models. These platforms use AI-driven recommendation systems and data analytics to track the preferences of the 18–35 age group, serving them personalised content. For instance, if a user watches such material once, the algorithm keeps suggesting similar content, creating a “digital addiction loop.” This technology not only boosts consumption but also strengthens social acceptability.

OnlyFans takes it a step further by personalising it—creators (often web series actors) sell content directly. This takes the form of “crowdsourced prostitution,” powered by blockchain-based payment systems and encrypted communication, making it hard to trace. Meanwhile, shows like India Got Latent, which promote provocative content under the pretext of talent, use viral marketing and hashtag trends on social media (Instagram, YouTube) to make it “cool” among the youth. This normalisation is so technically effective that it presents a weapon (pornography) as a toy (entertainment).

According to the IMARC Group (2023), India’s online adult market, currently at $1.2 billion, could hit $3 billion by 2028—a growth enabled by the scalability of OTT platforms and affordable mobile internet. But the impact runs deep. The Indian Journal of Psychiatry (2019) study shows that excessive porn consumption affects neuroplasticity, increasing aggression and reducing respect for women among youth. Technology acts as a catalyst here, making content accessible and acceptable while weakening culture.

Example: In 2020, Ullu’s series Gandi Baat stirred controversy for its bold content, yet saw a massive spike in viewership—a result of algorithm-driven promotion.

Source: IMARC Group: “India Online Adult Entertainment Market Report” (imarcgroup.com, 2023) & Indian Journal of Psychiatry: “Pornography and Its Impact on Youth” (2019)

Rape and Sexual Violence: Symptoms of a Deep Decline

When we delve deeper into “woke culture,” we see it intertwined with several currents, including evils linked to sexual violence. It’s not just “rape that’s the problem; the constant casual deviation emerging alongside it is equally degrading.” The NCRB’s 2022 data is chilling: 31,677 rape cases were reported, averaging 86 per day. Yet, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2021), 33% of Indian women aged 15–49 have faced physical or sexual violence, often unreported due to shame.

The culture of pornography and addiction plays a pivotal role here. A 2020 Delhi University study found that 40% of male college students who consumed violent pornographic content developed increased hostility towards women. Environments fuelled by drugs and alcohol—like nightclubs and parties—have increasingly become hotspots for assaults. A 2023 incident in Delhi, where a British tourist was gang-raped after being lured via Instagram (News18), shows how digital “freedom” can turn into real-life terror.

Beyond rape, the trivialisation of relationships—captured in popular social media phrases like “sadi se pehle 100 jagah muh marna” (hitting 100 places before marriage)—reflects a loss of respect for human bonds. This isn’t progress; it’s a regression to objectification, where people are reduced to fleeting pleasures. In chasing true happiness, they forget their own existence, getting trapped in a loop of destruction—one so inescapable that a single misstep becomes gravely serious. Surely, you’ve heard of the infamous Ajmer gang-rape case?

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Technology has played a significant role in amplifying the culture of pornography and addiction, particularly through the internet and social media. The 2020 Delhi University study noted that 40% of male college students who consumed violent porn showed increased hostility towards women—a shift tied to neuroplasticity, where repeated exposure to violent content alters behavioural patterns. Pornography platforms like Pornhub use AI-based recommendation systems that push users towards more provocative material based on their preferences, creating an addictive loop.

Meanwhile, social media platforms like Instagram have provided a stage to glorify drugs and “hookup culture.” The 2023 gang-rape of a British tourist in Delhi, lured via Instagram, exemplifies this. Here, technology gave perpetrators an easy way to identify and contact targets. Digital “freedom” has facilitated anonymity and encrypted chats (like Telegram), enabling such activities to stay hidden and turning them into real-world nightmares. The 1992 Ajmer gang-rape case also showcased technology misuse, with photography (the tech of that era) used for blackmail. Today, digital cameras and social media have made this pattern even simpler.

This also fuels the trivialisation of relationships. Viral social media phrases like “sadi se pehle 100 jagah muh marna” turn human connections into objects. It creates a digital loop where people get ensnared in algorithm-driven content for instant gratification, and a single mistake—like a crime committed under the influence—drives their life towards ruin. Technology erases respect and amplifies objectification here. For a woman, one wrong move can alter her life’s entire course, opening paths to blackmail, physical demands, and even bigger incidents.

Source: Delhi University Study: “Impact of Violent Pornography on Male College Students” (2020, referenced) | News18: “British Tourist Gang-Raped in Delhi via Instagram Lure” (2023) | Ajmer Incident: “Ajmer 92 Rape Case” (Wikipedia, 2024)

Cultural and National Decline

When we deeply examine the growing trend of “woke culture,” it’s clear that it’s not just individual ruin at stake. These forces “don’t merely attack culture; they can destroy both the nation and its heritage.” History bears witness: civilisations like Rome didn’t fall to external invasions but crumbled under internal moral, social, and economic decay. India, too, is treading a similar perilous path today. If these warnings and challenges are ignored, the consequences will undoubtedly be severe and devastating.

Even without delving too deeply, the economic damage from woke culture is glaringly obvious. Addiction and trafficking siphon billions of rupees from productive sectors, while the porn industry diverts talent and resources into exploitation. Socially, the family structure—long considered the backbone of India—is under threat. A 2022 Pew Research study found that 60% of Indian youth prioritise personal freedom over familial duty, marking a significant shift from tradition. This is a clear sign of modern decay, eroding the cultural, traditional, and spiritual foundation on which we aspire to reclaim our status as a Vishwaguru (global teacher).

From an economic perspective, if we think slightly differently, the cultural loss outweighs even the financial damage. India’s heritage, rooted in dharma (duty) and culture, is now transforming from a path of excellence into one of destruction, driven by a hollow imitation of Western extremism. What we’re witnessing isn’t globalisation—it’s a silent colonisation where markets dictate identity. India, the world’s largest market, is the key to making any product successful, and the biggest obstacle to that is its culture, traditions, and way of life. This is precisely why they’re being dismantled, while we’re lulled into believing we’re becoming “developed” and “educated.”

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Technology has weakened India’s economic and cultural framework by amplifying drugs, pornography, and “woke culture.” Addiction and trafficking have been made easier by digital platforms like the dark web and cryptocurrency-based transactions. For instance, Bitcoin and encrypted marketplaces (successors to Silk Road) facilitate drug trafficking, draining billions from productive sectors. According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) 2023 report, digital trafficking costs India ₹10,000 crore annually. Similarly, the porn industry, through OTT platforms and models like OnlyFans, channels talent and resources into exploitation, fuelled by AI-driven content and targeted ads.

Culturally, social media and streaming platforms have spread a Western ideology glorifying “personal freedom.” Pew Research (2022) notes that 60% of Indian youth prioritise individual liberty over family duty—a shift driven by algorithm-powered content (TikTok, Instagram Reels) that glamorises the Western “woke” lifestyle, undermining tradition. Technology acts as a market-driven weapon here, eroding India’s cultural identity (dharma and duty) and moulding it into hollow consumerism.

Economically, this isn’t globalisation but “digital colonisation.” As the world’s largest market, India is a prime target for global tech giants (like Meta, Google). These companies use data analytics and behavioural targeting to push Indian youth towards a lifestyle that erases their culture. For example, platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime tailor content to make it “woke” for Indian audiences, sidelining traditional values. This cultural loss impacts productivity, social cohesion, and long-term growth—the backbone of any economy.

Example: In 2023, the NCB busted a dark web drug racket where 500 kg of narcotics were sold via Telegram and cryptocurrency, highlighting how technology fuels economic damage.

Source: Pew Research: “Indian Youth Prioritize Personal Freedom Over Family Duty” (pewresearch.org, 2022) | NCB Report: “Digital Drug Trafficking in India” (narcoticsindia.nic.in, 2023)

Solutions: A Call to Action

The current state of India’s youth in this direction is grave, but not entirely hopeless. To stem this tide, a collective effort is essential:

1. Regulation and Awareness: The government must enact stringent laws on drug trafficking and online content. The 2022 ban on 67 pornographic sites (MEITY) was a start, but enforcement has been weak. Campaigns like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” should be expanded to educate youth about digital dangers. Merely banning a few platforms won’t stop them from resurfacing under new names within days. This needs to be eradicated completely, root and all.
2. Community Mobilisation: NGOs, teachers, and religious leaders should promote values of purpose and restraint against “woke culture.” Youth empowerment programs like Art of Living have successfully channelled energy in positive directions. Reconnecting India with its cultural heritage could be the most effective and appealing path. The wisdom and understanding of the scriptures can guide them towards a true perspective of freedom and knowledge.
3. Youth Empowerment: Opportunities in skills, sports, and arts must be provided to transform idleness into creativity. In initiatives like the Youth Creator Awards, social media creativity should prioritise reality over superficiality, as woke content often garners more views. We need to redefine the metrics of success. The National Skill Development Corporation trained 1 crore youth by 2022; such efforts should be infused with cultural vibrancy and scaled up.
4. Role of Parents and Institutions: Schools and families must build resilience, critical thinking, and self-respect to counter peer pressure. CBSE’s 2023 Life Skills Education pilot reduced substance abuse by 15% in participating schools. Parents must take tough decisions to prevent their children from drifting in this direction and awaken them to their cultural heritage. Only values (sanskar) can prevent crime, not just the government.
5. Global Cooperation: India should leverage technology with international bodies like UNODC to dismantle trafficking and drug networks. Loopholes hidden within governmental justice and protective systems must be identified and sealed permanently.

Reclaiming True Freedom

Freedom, in any context, is not the absence of boundaries but the presence of purpose. India’s youth, the heartbeat of its future, deserve a life better than one defined by addiction, exploitation, and hollow pleasures. “Woke culture” may glitter for a moment, but in the long run, it’s an illusion leading to ruin. As a society, we must ask ourselves: What legacy do we leave behind?

This isn’t just criticism—it’s a rallying cry for awakening. Let us not be victims of circumstances but builders of a new India, where freedom means respect, not destruction.

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Written by:- Sultan Singh

Background Research & Read More Section Contents is Researched by Grok Ai | Model 2 & Translated with AI