The saying, "Education is the key to your success", appears to miss the mark in our current dual world. Yes, you heard it right—we live in two realms: the physical world and the digital world, the latter being the realm of social media platforms.
What's interesting is how these individuals those who get fame just by one viral post overnight no matter how cringy the content is, repurpose the same content across various platforms to generate income. For instance, if a video goes viral on YouTube, they'll repost snippets of it on platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and others. One viral piece of content can open up multiple income streams from different platforms.
Most Indian youth are aware of this phenomenon and are drawn to it. I've read numerous articles on the current state of education, and it's evident that education alone doesn't guarantee wealth. What matters more is knowing how to capture an audience's attention and keep them engaged in your content. Nowadays, many Indian youths believe that instead of investing in expensive college fees after completing the 12th standard, they should invest in their interests—work they are never tired of doing.
Here, the major focus is on Social Media only, but there are many examples where qualifications are of no use, what matters is your skill such as sports, entertainment, culinary, creative and a numerous number of industries.
For a long time, the conventional path was to complete schooling, pursue a bachelor's degree, then a master's, and secure a job. It didn't matter whether you were passionate about the field or not; getting the degree seemed to be the ticket to success. However, things have taken a 360-degree turn, and education doesn't hold the same weight anymore (not in all cases, at least). Respect for education is dwindling as the job market is saturated with degrees.
It's now up to the youth to decide where to invest their time and money. In today's world, degrees don't matter; skills do. From what I've observed, many people don't know what they want to achieve in life. They enroll in courses without prior knowledge, solely because those fields are in demand in the job market.
If you want to invest your time and money wisely, you need to find the right path—one that aligns with your interests. Interest is what truly matters in achieving success. I'm not saying that everyone pursues a degree just to get a job; many people have clear goals. However, there are also many who don't. To discover your interests, spend time trying new things and see if they captivate you. Once you find your passion, success will surely follow. In this context, education plays no major role.
This article presents a perspective on the evolving nature of success in the modern, dual world of physical and digital realms. It challenges the traditional notion that education is the sole key to success, suggesting that in the digital age, attention-grabbing content and audience engagement play a more significant role.
The message conveyed can be summarized as follows:
1.Dual Realms: We live in both a physical and digital world, heavily influenced by social media platforms.
2.Digital Fame: Social media allows anyone to gain rapid fame and success through viral content, irrespective of their education.
3.Changing Priorities: Many Indian youths are prioritizing personal interests over traditional education, seeing it as a more direct route to success.
4.Value of Skill Over Degree: Success is increasingly tied to practical skills and audience engagement rather than formal education alone.
5.Individual Agency: While education still holds value, the modern world emphasizes personal interests and skills, suggesting that success is determined more by alignment with passions than by academic qualifications.
"While the digital age has undeniably shifted the landscape of success, it's essential to recognize that education still holds significant value in today's world. Education equips individuals with critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a foundation of knowledge that can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the modern era. While personal interests and practical skills are vital components of success, they are often enhanced and refined through education. Moreover, education opens doors to opportunities, providing access to specialized fields, networks, and resources that can further propel individuals towards their goals. Therefore, while the traditional path may no longer be the only route to success, education remains a cornerstone in shaping informed, well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age."