Digital Future of Indian Youth

Digital Future of Indian Youth

Ms. Sharda Yeole & Dr. Mayura Sabne

“Young people must rightfully be engaged as key partners in shaping the future of technology, not only because they are the most connected generation in history, but also because young people have routinely proven to be innovators, solutions-makers and restless advocates for a better and safer digital future. I am echoing the UN Secretary-General's call for meaningful youth engagement in intergovernmental policymaking processes, including in supporting the process of the Global Digital Compact." - Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth

Introduction

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly said that Digital India is the resolve of India. The youth of India will play an important role in shaping the digital future of India. The “Digital Future” refers to digital information and communication technologies which will dominate in the near future. The term ‘digital future’ includes all aspects of emergence and proliferation of digital technologies and the developments caused by them.[1] The digital future to youth consists of AI, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed reality, Internet of things (IOT). Today only digital technology has penetrated to every sphere of our lives.

The digital future encompasses opportunities as well as challenges specially for the young people. India is home to one-fifth of the world's young population. The Indian Government in the 2022-2023 budget, mentioned to establish a Digital University that has the potential to make education more accessible and democratized.[2] The pandemic resulted in an increase in the number of start-ups across India, almost all of which were founded and led by young, dynamic, technology-driven entrepreneurs with a vision to provide novel solutions to persistent life problems, to improve and contribute to the overall quality of life, and to the development of society at large.[3] Indian youth is literally the future of technology both at home and across the globe.[4]

The digital technology has profoundly changed the way in which the youth access education, health and financial sectors, make and maintain relations, search for or create job opportunities, etc. Research states that one in three users of digital technology is a child. For the youth, who are born and raised in the digital era, this digital revolution presents a plethora of opportunities as well as challenges. Nearly from the advent of internet, only 0.4 percent of the world population was digitally acquainted, and currently nearly 70 percent of the population is the user of digital technologies.?

Opportunities

In coal – dominated areas, a majority of youth workforce is still employed and the youth who are not coal employees indirectly depend on coal as they run their businesses in company townships. Digital literacy can help the youth working in India’s coal sector to find substitute employment opportunities. This is vital for India as the country gears itself to phase?down coal and reach its Net Zero targets by 2070.[5]

Access to Information and Knowledge

The National e-Governance Division & the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India, launched a program known as ‘YUVAi- Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI’?program initiated in 2020.[6] Access to information is a universal right and the youth has the right to seek, receive and impart information. It has become more democratic in the digital era. Online platforms enable access to knowledge that was previously restricted to traditional schools. This accessibility allows young people to learn new skills, broaden their perspectives, and follow their hobbies.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

As India has received highest Foreign Direct Investment in the world which the youth of the country will drive the economy in the next 25 years. It will make the youth self- independent entrepreneurs in future.[7] Start-up culture i.e. entrepreneurial mind set of the youth is on the rise. And after the introduction of National Education Policy 2022, the students are going to be equipped with the knowledge of coding. The growing digital landscape has provided youth with unparalleled entrepreneurship options. Many of the students who study in foreign jurisdictions and settle there are now coming back to the country to bring positive digital revolution. The digital marketplace allows them to reach a global audience, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and bring innovative ideas to life. India has started witnessing a surge of youth entrepreneurs recently.

Collaboration and Networking

Digital platforms have revolutionized collaboration and networking. This has fueled the youth to share ideas, connect, collaborate which in turn has resulted to critical & creative thinking skills, implementing solutions and cross- cultural understanding through social media platforms all around the world. The youth can leverage these connections to form companies, NGOs, partnerships and create a strong support network that enhances their personal and professional growth.

The digital world empowers the youth to become influencers, thought leaders by amplifying their voices on a global scale.

Digital Advocacy and Social Change

There are various youth campaigns arranged like ‘Ab Meri Baari’ national campaign and the like, to empower the youth about digital advocacy and social change. The genuine and constructive participation of youth in these schemes and structures help build better awareness, accessibility, regularity and reach in service delivery as well as among beneficiaries.[8] Online petitions, crowdfunding campaigns, and digital activism allow young individuals to participate actively in causes they care about, transcending geographical boundaries.

Challenges

While the digital future presents numerous opportunities for youth, it also brings forth several challenges that they need to navigate. Digital transformation failure rate is very high. The digital divide is the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don't or have restricted access.?In India there is digital divide on the basis of rural – urban, caste- wise and religion wise.[9] Bridging this divide is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for all youth.

Digital Citizenship and Ethical Challenges

Young individuals must be equipped with a strong ethical framework and digital citizenship skills to navigate these challenges responsibly and contribute positively to society. Youth must be educated about privacy settings, online etiquette, and safe internet practices to protect themselves from potential harm.

The digital landscape presents risks such as undue disclosure of personal data and information, cyberbullying, hate speech, financial abuse, digital addiction which impacts mental health, exposure to inappropriate content and information overload and misinformation which the youth has to face as they are the majority users of digital technology.

Conclusion

For the youth, the digital future holds enormous potential, bringing a world of opportunities within reach. The digital future of the Indian youth will be safeguarded by inculcating the spirit of letters of law and helpful usages of digital technology which will assist them in becoming well informed digital citizens of upcoming information age.[10] With the right guidance and support, the youth can unlock the full potential of the digital future and forge a path towards a prosperous and inclusive society.

[1] Definition of digital future, available at https://joernlengsfeld.com/en/definition/digital-future/#:~:text=In%20a%20narrower%20sense%2C%20the,the%20aspects%20of%20the%20digital.

[2] Tech-first upskilling key to brighter future for India’s youth, available at https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/techfirst-upskilling-key-to-brighter-future-for-india-s-youth-101652209542385.html

[3] How is FinTech empowering the youth of India, available at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/how-is-fintech-empowering-the-youth-of-india/

[4] Ibid

[5] Just transition: Digital literacy can help youth dependant on coal sector move into other fields, finds on IIT study, available on https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/just-transition-digital-literacy-can-help-youth-dependant-on-coal-sector-move-into-other-fields-finds-iit-study-89064

[6] Responsible AI for youth, available at https://innovateindia.mygov.in/yuvai/

[7] Tremendous opportunities for youth in AI, data, block chain soon: Chandrashekar, available at https://www.thestatesman.com/india/tremendous-opportunities-youth-ai-data-blockchain-soon-chandrasekhar-1503072049.html

[8] 100 youth champions trained with digital advocacy skills, create a social media reach of 6 million +, available at https://indiaeducationdiary.in/100-youth-champions-trained-with-digital-advocacy-skills-create-a-social-media-reach-of-6-million/

[9] India Inequality report 2022:digital divide, available at https://www.nextias.com/current-affairs/05-12-2022/india-inequality-report-2022-digital-divide

[10] The digital future of rights of children: A techno-legal analysis, by Dr. Mayura Sabne, available on Rights of Child vis-à-vis Law, policy and access to justice, ISBN 978-93-5737-548-1?