As digital technologies gradually enter our lives and access to information increases, the risk of young people being exposed to various ideological influences is increasing. This is a sharp and urgent problem for today's society.

Young people are a potential audience that is in a transition period in search of their life path, formation of value orientation. Unfortunately, at this time, they are attracted to false spiritual organizations and destructive religious movements. These organizations hide their ideologies under attractive slogans such as spiritual growth, recognition of the truth, and finding inner harmony, and are well versed in how to influence young people to believe and influence their minds.

We should not look at this situation as a simple change of faith. This is a deep psychological transformation. A young person's relationship with the surrounding environment is broken, trust in family and friends is reduced, interest in education is lost. Over time, they become completely dependent on the religious leader, cannot make decisions on their own, reject the scientific approach, traditional values. Such changes affect everything from appearance to vocabulary and behavior.

This is not only a threat to the fate of an individual, it is a threat to the spiritual integrity of the nation and the internal stability of the state. Because radical organizations are not limited to individuals. They are trying to establish an alternative reality in society, intending to create a parallel ideological space that negates the foundations of the state.

Today, comprehensive work against this problem is needed. First, we need to talk to young people in an understandable language. Not prohibitions, threats or dry moralism - open dialogue, real examples from life, logical arguments are important. It is our main task to familiarize young people with the signs of destructive organizations and clearly explain the difference between them and traditional religion. That is why developing a culture of critical thinking should be one of the main priorities. The ability to analyze information, to ask questions, to be skeptical, to be able to compare different sources is a strong shield against any ideological manipulation.

In addition, we should be active where young people are - i.e. social networks and messengers. In order not to fill the empty space with false ideas, we need to offer reliable, high-quality, meaningful content.

Parents and teachers should also be vigilant. It is better to pay attention to sharp changes in the behavior of young people and create a culture of open conversation with them. If the situation becomes more complicated, it is better to seek the help of professionals.

In conclusion, the fight against destructive religious trends is not just a security measure. This is the fate of the future. It is our common duty to protect the consciousness of the younger generation, to guide their spiritual search in the right direction. The future of the nation is directly related to the spiritual immunity of today's youth.

Al-Farabi Nurbekuly, religious scholar, expert of the information and explanation group for the prevention of religious extremism and terrorism in Almaty

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/antiterrosticheskiy-centr/press/news/details/969339?lang=kk