The Impact of Social Media on Youth

 The Impact of Social Media on Youth

 

The 21^st century society is akin to advancements in science, technology and socioeconomic wellbeing. The world today is hefty reliant on complex computer algorithms, artificial intelligence and digitized computer networks all around the globe which has led to an easier and more comfortable life. The early 2010s brought rise to the concept of social media with Mark Zuckerberg’s concept of Facebook which led to many more such social media services to follow. The likes of Google, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Snap chat are a few examples of such social media services which have grasped the internet.

 

Social media has had many positive effects seen over the years. The use of Google Web Services provides the youth with an ocean of information right in their fingertips. Similarly with development of Google, one can easily search up and get the exact information that one is looking for. This is essential for students, teachers, researchers, scientists, and businessmen etc. to conduct their required task in an efficient manner. The ease of access provided by social media has also made the youth more comprehensive and alert. The narrow scope of thought is no longer present as the internet has given the youth information on various nook and crannies of the world from news, politics to lifestyle and recreation. Similarly, the social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram have made it easier to connect with friends and loved ones. The rise of messaging apps such as Messenger, Wthatsapp, and Viber has made contacting each other way easier and reliable. Online shopping is another benefit. The concept of online courses in cheap and prices has been a boon to children and students who cannot afford expensive tuition. A lot of students who do not understand difficult concepts in their institutes understand such concepts from teachers teaching in online platforms. Similarly online services and social media have encouraged aspiring artists and talented individuals to showcase their ability in the internet which is welcomed and complimented; encouraging creativity and art.

Social media regardless of all the positives have many drawbacks affecting not just the youth but older and more mature people. The rise in social media has led to the subsequent increase in one’s screen time. A lot of people are highly addicted to their phones and gadgets have led to decrease in connecting capacity of such people. The social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have promoted digital creators which is a good to some extent but in the current scenario we have seen many teenagers obsessing about being a digital creator; A study in 2020 showed that girls of age 9-14 are blindly getting involved in making Tiktoks, reels and getting too engrossed in beauty products is instead of working on themselves. The craze for views and likes negatively affect the mental functioning of the youth from a young age. The rise of social media influencers have led to continues feeling of insecurity in the youth. The subsequent effect is shown as the lack of confidence, shyness and reduced ability to socialize. Students now days do not really make as many friends in real life, as they can spend their leisure in social media without feeling lonely or missing friends.

Another major negative impact of social media is the toxic social media culture. Toxicity in the internet such as bad and demeaning comments, filthy jokes, and sexual jokes affects the psychological integrity of the viewer as well as the creators. Nudity and vulgar language is commonly promoted in the social media application. Algorithm may provide explicit content to the youth. Similarly, the toxic culture has led to a depreciated mid set in younger generations; they speak to their friends and colleagues in such manner, treating others in similar taunting ways which leads to the widespread of negative social environment.

Social media can be used for a lot of positive purposes but the negative effects still remain. It is up to the aware user to embrace the positivity and ignore the negativity. The social media platforms have been a boon the people, it is indispensable in today’s world, but the improper use of social media has sociocultural impacts which must be addressed by the individual’s conscience while getting involved in social media. 

Shradheya Krishna Manandhar, XII, Prasadi Academy (3^rd Term English Exam Essay)

Journalism in Democracy - TRN - March 7 2025

 

Journalism in Democracy - Feb 2025

 

Journalism in Democracy

How many of you believe in free will ? A topic so simple at its early groundwork but as you go deeper into it, the intricacies of our society make it a much complex topic with historian, philosophers and great minds all of them debating over it. In simple words, free will can be explained as in the question “Are our choices actually our own choices, or the propaganda or are own choices already predetermined like the codes of a computer program ? Do we have choices in our lives?” The complexities of free will are vast, but there are many factors contributing to it which includes the information we get from the society or the mass judgment or our perceptions of the external world which we can obtain from a lot of sources but mainly news agencies.

A lot of news agencies are widespread throughout the world. They present news which interest their viewers. Tragic accidents, sports victories, political drama and many other entities are covered by news agencies. We or as it is better said, ‘the public’ gain information about the things happening around them. We curse the corruption in politics if it is covered in the news, in the same way we rejoice similar political victories or good news. Ultimately our entire perception relies on the news we are provided by the media. Our thought process it entirely reliant on what the media shares with us regardless of the factual nature, as we all have come to trust the news.

Now how does this relate to our free will ? One may ask, it certainly does! our entire choices are greatly affected by the society we live in. Advertisements in media are one strong force that can forge our beliefs and we also tend to be ignorant of its repercussions. Similarly politicians, actors, businessmen which have the media on their sides get more support from the mass. We tend to overlook their shortcomings and look only at their positive sides and follow their words and ideas, almost without giving a second thought. The media thus plays a significant role in our day to day lives. It directly or indirectly (through mass propaganda measures) determines our choices and perceptions.

The impartiality and independency of media, journalists and judiciary from the legislature of government is a must. News agencies have the obligation to provide the correct and impartial news and not manipulate the conceptions of the public. If the mass media falls in the hands of the government, the public can be made a fool of. The widespread of fake news will put the public in disarray. Bigger problems, crimes, mishaps of the government can be covered up and the public will be clueless and not even raise their voices. Hitler’s Nazi Germany spread widespread propaganda during the 1940s against the Jews and the superiority of the German race such that the millions of Germans not only supported Hitler but also managed to grow extreme hatred towards the Jewish population as a result unimaginable scale of mass genocide could be conducted.

Similarly, even in an ongoing non totalitarian regime, where democracy exists a lot of things are not openly discussed of addressed in the legislature. In such instances, news agencies have a major role in pointing out government shortcomings. They need to share things openly to the public; only then can the people have an opinion and show their argument and disagreement. This is the essence of democracy after all. A system of government where the people have accountability over the politicians, a system where questions can be raised and it is duly answered with everyone having a clear conscience rather than trying to shoot an arrow in the dark. It is thus clear that Journalism has a major and essential role in democracy.

 

Shradheya Krishna Manandhar

Grade 12, Prasadi Academy, Lalitpur

January 2025

My Third Table Tennis Tournament

 

My Third Table Tennis Tournament

My Third Table Tennis Tournament

To achieve in any goals or dreams we should practice and always have a strong sense of determination. With the help of practice, hard work and some coaching, we will be able to reach our destination in life.

Sports and physical activity are an important features for our day to day life. Sports clears our mind and also keeps us strong and stable. Many types of sports are liked by many people. Even if some don’t like playing it, they will enjoy watching it instead.

Like many people, I also like playing sports. I have been playing table tennis since I was 8 years old. That was when I first learnt to hold a TT bat and I practiced with my brother and father. After practicing for a few years with my brother, I improved myself and started to like the sport.

I have participated in various School-level TT tournaments. In 2023, I was second place in Joint-School Table Tennis Tournament. Same year, I participated in Inter-school tournament organized by St. Xavier’s school.

On 31st July 2024, I was able to again participated in table tennis match organized by St. Xavier’s school. This match wan an inter-school match where about 6 schools had participated including my school. Along with me, 6 other TT players had participated from my school. Although we did not have enough time to practice at school, I practiced at home with my brother.

On the match day, we all were nervous but excited to compete with our opponents. Our coach, Gyandev sir gave us some last-minute important instructions before the match and we were ready. Sometime later, my school’s principal, along with our coordinator came to wish us luck for our matches.

The matches stared at 10 am. I was called for my first match. I felt a rush of nervousness and excitement as I met my first opponent. She was from St. Xavier’s school, she was a good player her in both the sets but I could win her. I was congratulated by my teammates and my sir.

Sometime later, I was called for my second match. My opponent was again a girl from St .Xavier School.  She was a better player. In 3 sets, I was able to win only 1 and she eventually 2 wons. I felt a bit sad but my teammates reminded me that losing and winning in a game is normal.

Soon we had our lunches given to us by the school. After a short refreshment, we were again called in the table tennis hall. My other friends also had a few matches to play so I was there to cheer them.

Me and my friends roamed around the school for a while and were called for the closing ceremony. We were all exhausted but still excited for the final match.

Finally, in the final matches, two students from our school were in the final round. In the end, my school was able to win in 2 categories, under 13 and under 16.

We congratulated each other and we all left for home.

Even if I didn’t win this tournament this time, this was a great experience for me. I learnt that a game always has a winner and a looser. This tournament has also boosted my confidence level and I am looking forward for another Table Tennis match soon. I thank our couch for giving the opportunity to participate in this tournament and also giving us the encouragement and instructions during preparation and during tournament time.

Shuvanjali Manandhar  

September 02, 2024

The New Age with Brain Implants

 

The New Age with Brain Implants

In the past decades, many manmade objects have been successfully implanted in the human body. These objects stay inside our bodies and help in the normal functioning of our systems. Some examples are metal ortho implants, valves, stents and pacemakers in the hearts.

In the recent decades, scientists are undertaking research for brain implants – these implants are intended for controlling various functions of the body by transmission of neuro signals from the brain to different parts of the body. Now the question arises, do you think “brain implants” will be possible someday? The answer is yes, it has been successfully implanted this year !

Neural implants

Scientists has been working to develop Neural implants (brain implants) with a set of electronic wires that are attached to specific region of the brain to produce or receive electronic impulse or signals and transmitted to a control unit. A micro-computer then amplifies the signal and sends the signals by wireless means to external AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor device called the Brain – Computer Interface (BCI). This technology is will be effective for diseases like paralysis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and lock-in syndrome.

Nuralink – A BCI Company

Many companies were racing to develop the BCI technology for human beings for a long time. In 2016, Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur, founded a company named Nuralink, and hired more than 400 expert scientists to work on BCI technology. In May 2023, Nuralink got the approval for first time from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA to conduct human trial of BCI device developed by Neuralink – after successful trial on monkeys.

Finally on Jan 29, 2024, Elon Musk announced that the first human implant has been successfully implanted and the patient is recovering – gaining a worldwide attention and spotlight. And people around the world were anxiously waiting for the news on the person who received the first Nuralink BCI implant. And finally on 21 March, 2024, it was announced that Mr. Noland Arbaugh, aged 29, who was paralyzed from neck down, due to an accident 8 years ago, received the first Nuralink BCI implant and he was shown to control a computer mouse only by using his brain, without any hand movement ! This was a very welcome news all over the world. 

Arbaugh said there are still many improvements needed, but it was a life changing experience for him that he could use a smart phone and a computer only with is mind.

Neuralink said that the BCI chip interprets the neural activity and controls a smart phone by the person’s thought only, without any hand movement. 

The BCI chip consists of very delicate 1000 smaller-than-hair electrodes to be inserted at certain areas of the cerebral cortex of the brain – The surgery was extremely delicate for human surgeons to conduct – so surgery was being done by a robot and it took 6 hours of the robot to implant the Neuralink BCI chip.

Conclusion

Even though, it’s a bit early see the wide public use of BCI in patients, it will not be too long when the deaf will be able to hear, the blind will be able to see, the paralyzed will be able to move, and the thoughts that origin in the human brain can be translated into text and can function smart devices, for which the world is anxiously waiting.

 

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Shuvanjali Manandhar

Class 8

St. Mary’s High School, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

Maitidevi Temple : A Hindu Temple in Kathmandu

 

Community Research Work

 

Maitidevi Temple : A Hindu Temple in Kathmandu

Introduction

Nepal is county of diverse ethnicity, language and religion. Among many different religions, Hindu religion is in its majority. In Nepal there are numerous temples and small shrines. These temples and shrines play an important role in the culture and religion of the citizens of the country. One popular temple in central Kathmandu is the Maitidevi temple – which is also known popularly as the Pancha Kumari temple. This is one of the “Shakti-peeth” meaning temple of goddess durga having divine power. This temple is situated in the heart of Kathmandu, near Gyaneshwore, in Ward No. 30 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and on the side of the main road between Gyaneshwore and Maitidevi chowk.

Structure of the Temple

The Maitidevi temple is believed to be re-built to its present state during the reign of Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Rana in the 20th century.

This temple is a one storied temple with pagoda-style roof. The temple is square in shape with one side is approximately 7m. The roof of the temple is brass metal roof, supported by 20 several wooden tudals. Each tudal has a different god or goddess carved into it.  In pagoda-styled temples, tudals are one the main components that bear different carvings. Over time these tudals get worn out and needs polishing. 

A noticeable feature of the temple is brass metal roof.  The four corners of the roof has a sculptured brass bird with its open wings. The eves of the roof has metal plates, all around the four sides, which bear the carved writing in devanagari script, about the who and when the temple was built and renovated. Like other temples, this temple also had a long, bright red coloured frills, hanging from the roof’s eves, and also bears a series of small wind-bells, that enhance the beauty and environment of the temple area.

One of the main character of every Nepali temple is the Gajur, also known as the pinnacle – the top center-most structure on the roof. The pinnacle is made from pure golden brass metal. The gajur is elongated dome-shaped and may be additional smaller gajurs next to the main gajur.  The pinnacle is covered by a small metal umbrella-like structure called chatari, and some small religious flags are also kept.

Guarding animal sculptures is another attractive feature of hindu temples. In Maitidevi temple also, sculptures of lions guarding the temple can be seen. There are two stone lions are in front of the main entrance. Two pairs of brass metal lions are also in front of the two side entrances. Additionally there are four brass metal lions, standing on stone pedestals at four corners of the temple, with its mouths open and raising its paws, are very attractive sculptures. Worshippers are seen touching the lion’s paws in an action of receiving power from the lions. Altogether there are 13 metal lion sculptures and two stone lion sculptures.

Bells are another important feature of the hindu temples. At Maitidevi temple, on either sides the front entrance, there are two main bells hung from stone stands. There are smaller bells in front of the side entrances also. In total there are 9 bells.

In front of the main entrance, there is metal sculpture of lord Vishnu lying on the ground, which is very unique. Opposite to the main entrance, there are three stone pillars, with a metal lion’s sculpture on the first pillar, a metal peacock sculpture on the middle pillar and a smaller lion’s sculpture on the third pillar. There is a metal bell besides the three pillars.

In this temple, there is one main entrance and two side entrances. The door frames are covered with brass metal sheets which have many artistically carved images of deities. The entrance doors of the temple always have a triangular wooden or metal carvings called tympanums. The carving are very artistic with details of different deities and guarding animals and designs. These metal tympanums are above each two side entrances also. In front of the main entrance, there are two metal flag poles with brass metal flags shaped in Nepali flag style. From the gajur, there is a long metal belt that hangs up to the entrance – they are known as pataka. On this temple, there are 4 different patakas – which are known to be donated by certain families or clans, at different periods.

Inside of the Temple

As we enter the temple from the main entrance, we can see the main place where the goddess is enshrined. Only a small stone deity only about 7 inches tall and is heavily decorated with various silver ornaments, is seen at the center which is believed to be the goddess durga, and no sculptured idol of durga can be seen. The stone idol is decorated by many silver decorative and protective sculptures – the main one is the silver sculpture of 9 goddess, situated above the main stone idol. There are also two sets of nags – or 9 snakes that protect the goddess. In addition, there are two small idols of protecting lions, two metal flag poles, trishul poles, many small bells and diya stands. Inside the temple, besides the main goddess, there are lined other 9 gods and goddesses, namely, small statues of Ganesh, Manakamana goddess and Bagulamikhi. These idols were also decorated with different brass ornaments. The place is also decorated with red frill cloths. Inside the temple, on the center ground we can see a silver circular mandap, of diameter 25 inches, where materials of worship and offerings are kept, prior to making the offering to the goddess.

Outside of the Temple

Outside the temple, in front of the temple’s main entrance’s right corner, there are one very old and large pipal tree, whose trunk circumference is approximately 10m and is considered very holy. People worship the tree as a symbol of lord Bishnu. This pipal tree is about a hundred years old and gives a harmonious green environment.

On the road-side courtyard of the temple, there are four small Buddhist stone stupas – exhibiting harmonious co-existence of both Buddhist and Hindu culture. At the back side of the temple, there is a small pagoda-style roofed pati used as Bhanjan-ghar. Also recently constructed is another pagoda-style roofed pati for people to take a rest. There is a small pond within the premises of the temple known as mayur-kunda or peacock pond, but at present it is dismantled and will be renovated soon.

In the surrounding courtyard of the temple, there are small shrines established by different people, that enshrine many gods and goddess, such as Shiva-Parbati, Bishnu, Radha-Krishna, Ganesh, Sharswoti. Also there are stone shila-patras or stone tables where the details of the deeds undertaken with dates and names are carved.

Worshipping in the Temple

According to the temple’s main pujari – Mr. Raj Bhai Bajracharya, every morning there about 300 devotees that visit the temple for worshipping and on special days such as each Saturdays, Ekadashi, Purnina, Aunsi, Teej, and other holy religious day, the numbers of devotees are more than double. The temple is most visited by devotees on the main three days during Dashain and also Tihar.

Conclusion

In Nepal there are many such temples that hold strong cultural meanings and beliefs for the hindu people. As a citizen, we should be able to preserve these cultures as they are our country’s wealth. Presently there is a lot of consciousness among citizens that we should preserve our holy places and cultures for many coming generations.

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Shuvanjali Manandhar

Class 8 B

St. Mary’s High School, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur

Plum Jam Making

 Plum Jam

1. Wash and clean the plums that are red and ripe. Discard the green ones.

2. Use about two thirds full of your pressure cooker.

3. Add half a cup of water. Boil the plums for 3 or 4 whistles. It should give a sweet cooked smell.

Let the cooker rest and cool down for a night.

4. Next day, drain all the water out. Using hands, peel off the skins. Also squeeze tout all the seeds.

With hands squeeze the pulps to make it a smooth paste.

5. Heat a thick deep pot and transfer the plum paste and start cooking it. Add 1 and half cups of sugar, and 4 table spoons of vinegar and half teaspoon of salt. (careful not to put too much salt)

6. Cook by constantly mixing in medium heat. Care should be taken not to burn your fingers or hand from the splashing of the boiling mixture. After the water slowly evaporates the mixture becomes thick in consistency. Take a spoonful of it and taste it. If sugar needs to be added, add some and also check vinegar. 

7. After about 30 minutes slow cooking the mixture should be thick. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before filling it in glass jars. Put it in freeze to last long. 

8. If the jam did not taste like it should, don't worry, find out what went wrong, and improve it next time. 

You can also check some Youtube videos, if you want !!

Good Luck !!

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Q. What is the most important thing that you learn in your school ?

A. The most important thing that you learn in school is that, the most important thing cannot be learnt at school.

                ― Haruki Murakami,

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