Introduction: The Streaming Revolution in Pakistan
The recent introduction of HBO Max in Pakistan, joining forces with giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney +, has radically altered the entertainment scene.
The arrival of more streaming services is great news for viewers, but brings with it an uneasy question of whether the deluge of Western content is, in subtle ways, altering or destroying the values of our own younger generations?
The Digital Takeover
With OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms on the rise, the way in which young people absorb media is changing. There is no longer any sacredness in how going to have to wait for a television show to show at, for she is fully accessible at the click of a button, unfiltered, uncensored, global.
Hence, one encounters such tales as further enhance storylines, fearless themes and metropolitan lifestyles. It is these Western-formatted shows that continue to take up such high positions in popularity lists. It is through these that new codes of understanding relationships, lifestyles and success are silently imposed. These codes are often at variance with local thoughts or expectations.
The Cultural Takeover
A significant change is detectable in their minds, in how they express opinions and in their actions. Even the sense of style of boys and girls is thus determined by what is witnessed online, in an increasingly coarsening atmosphere; relationships are affected by social media. So rapid has become this blandishment that likely no longer exists the formerly clear distinction between local and global culture.
It is true that such knowledge of global matters is food for thought, but the lesson thus learned is that such things seriously reduce individuality of approach. Today, many parents are worried that the passing on of the family tradition is progressively lost in favour of the Western concepts of individualism, materialism and liberalism as opposed to those that still accept the family and the community as enough.
The Psychological Impact
On top of cultural influence, the psychological repercussions of excessive streaming may also be alarming. The binge-watching culture has become a lifestyle for many, crowding out outdoor activities, family time, and even sleep.
The age group especially affected by these lifestyles is young people, who are constantly comparing their lives to the flawless realities they see on the screen, with everything filtered and air-brushed to perfection. The result is anxiety, low self-worth, and a constant feeling of not being “good enough.” The dopamine shock from the constant thrills of these activities also gives rise to cravings for more thrills, resulting in the slow, tantalising boredom of real life, and emotional fatigue and restlessness.
The Moral Dilemma
In the same way, Western OTT platforms do not reflect the moral or religious values to which societies in Pakistan are accustomed. Explicit scenes, vulgarity and themes of sexual orientation or rebellion become the norm on many OTT platforms. Without good content filters or parental controls, young people are exposed to themes far beyond what they are mature enough to comprehend.
This absolute lack of control initiates debate. Are we promoting creativity and freedoms by these platforms, or are we erasing some of the moral quadrants under the guise of entertainment?
Finding Balance: The Way Forward
Instead of banning and blaming, the real answer lies in education and awareness. Media literacy must be part of education, teaching young people to think about the viewing experiences they have and whether or not they are a real reflection of the world in which we live.
Parents must also start to educate young people by limiting viewing hours, tapping into the parental controls, and having thorough discussions about values and choices in addition to what events have been viewed. At the same time, investment has to go towards discovering new, local stories in the entertainment industry in Pakistan, and ways of implementing them. Not to copy other successful shows, but rather to produce content and intellectual property that is more home-grown and implements reality in a way that one can only compete with if it is from the heart.
