Preface Social networking sites (SNS’s) have become imperative to the lives of youth today. They are a compulsive and addictive behavior to our modern adolescence. Facebook, twitter, orkut, linkedin and other networking sites have not only given them a platform to interact, discuss and remain in touch with their loved ones who live at places across the globe but also to voice their opinions on social issues. It has created nothing less than a revolution across the world. The recent Jan Lokpal Bill Movement led by Anna Hajare and his team, and Nirbhaya Gang Rape case movement are uprising examples of SNS’s where youths created mass awareness across the society. They not only participated to create a movement but also voiced their opinions through the various social networking sites mobilizing people to sign online petitions, sending them across to the respective authorities. It was an eye opening example for any country and the government to understand the power of Social networking sites. The SNS’s have made a significant change in their personal and social lives, and played a crucial role in breaking boundaries, crossing nations, enabling them to communicate and share their view on issues like violation of human rights, girl’s education, 10 • Social Media and Indian Youth adverse effects of global warming, wrong deeds of political leaders, crime against women, corruption etc. On one hand where social networking sites empower the youth and enable them to grow up to their social circle in terms of their own acquaintances, on the other it raises many questions about their life styles, safety, privacy and legal issues. The study is an attempt to understand the impact of these networking sites on the life styles of Indian youths and also to form opinion about their thoughts, sociological and psychological change in their Behavior. There is no doubt Social media industry in India is run by young and educated youths in big cities and town. According to Analysis and Outlook Social Media in India 2011 and 2012, Indian SNS market saw a tremendous growth in the rise of the number of users and their participations and the amout of time spent. While Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in their report status “there has been rapid rise in the number of internet users in India, it has reached 21 million users in 2011. Broadband too has seen significant growth in 2011with13.30 million users (22%, Youth Organizations Umbrella, Inc. Y. O. U) compared to 10.92 million users in 2010 and was expected to reach 15.9 million users by end of 2012. 80% of the internet users are urban users and 20% are rural users in India and educated young people. Indians migrate to United States (US) for education and jobs and most of them will be in constant touch with friends and families which led to the rise in usage of social networks and it is further expected to increase as US companies set up offices in India employing thousands of people here. Apart from this more technology related products like mobiles, laptops, other computing devices like PCs, tablets and finally the voyeuristic appeal with open networks will drive the usage further. Most popular social networking site in India is Facebook as recently it dethroned Indonesia from the number two slot with 46 million monthly active users in February 2012 on the site, an increase of 132% from the prior year. Urban cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and other tier 1and 2 cities and towns dominate the social networking usage in India. 75% is dominated by male and mostly the young students and professionals in the age group of 18-24 are dominating the social media usage followed by the 25- 34 age group. They spend hours every month on the various social networking sites and actively engage with friends and others. Most of the users are using social media to stay in touch with friends, track and update their activities, social gaming, follow groups and communities, discuss social, political cultural and entertainment topics and also look for information about brands, products and also provide their feedback.” Apart from the significant conceptual, theoritical and related aspects of SMS, the book presents a research analysis, gathering data across Delhi and Mumbai City from 550 respondents exploring the broad dimensions of the impact of social networking sites on the Indian youths, changing mind sets and their life styles. Further it also explores the potential possibilities for developing a knowledge based society and enhancing the quality of life. The book is of immense importance to the ones, who wants to understand social media and its importance on Indian youths. It will provide an insight to the students, educationists, researchers, media planners, social media users and policy makers. The authors trust that the book is an asset for all of us as we all are affected and attached in some means to the next generation revolution of social media. Dr. Sanjay Singh Baghel

Contributed articles presented at a national seminar held at Aligarh on 1-2 May, 1991.