WRITINGS • ESSAYS • ARCHIVE

Maroof's Blog

My digital workspace for everything I learn and unlearn. A home for the things I notice, the random thoughts I care to keep, and the unfinished drafts worth saving.

2026

Back to the Homepage

Social media changed how we discovered news. AI is changing it again. As the internet gets noisier, publishers are rediscovering the value of the homepage as a destination.

The Butterfly and The Net

Are we all Phunsukh Wangdu’s failed prototypes? A critical look at the modern education system, the exhaustion of chasing success, and the power of mastery.

The Chinar Tree Doesn’t Panic When It Loses Its Leaves

Loss isn't always an ending; sometimes it's a requirement for survival. Learn why the Chinar tree's approach to winter is the ultimate lesson in resilience.

Kamal-e-Zabt by Parveen Shakir

A complete reading of Parveen Shakir’s masterpiece on dignity and silence.

2025

Living the Zero Posting Theory

Why did we all stop posting? An exploration of the 'Zero Posting' theory, the death of the public feed, and our collective retreat into the internet's 'Dark Forest.' A deep dive into how algorithms and personal branding destroyed the social web.

The Garden Beyond the Rose

Why Kashmir needs writers, artists, and thinkers just as much as doctors. A case for Open Schooling and the Right to Learn Differently.

Suraag-e-Zindagi

We spend our lives trying to arrange the world around us, hoping for peace. But what if the storm isn't outside? A reflection on why the world is a mirror, not a window, and how to find stillness in the chaos.

Aura Economy: The New Scoreboard

This article explores how Gen Z in Kashmir are adopting a new language shaped by the internet—slang, vibes, and memes that connect them to a global culture while reshaping local life.

When AI Searches for You, Guess Who’s Really Winning? (Hint: Not You)

AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity are quickly becoming Gen Z’s go-to over Google. But behind the convenience, there’s a growing risk: manipulated sources, biased reviews, and corporate influence shaping the answers. This article explores how online forums are being gamed, why chatbots echo those distortions, and what users should really watch out for.

The Psychology of Fake News: Why People Believe Lies Online

Why do people believe fake news, even when facts prove otherwise? This article explores the psychology behind misinformation, from confirmation bias to emotional reactions, and offers tips on how to avoid falling for false claims. Also published in the print edition of Morning Kashmir.

Adding Ramzan Timings to Your Website

Add accurate Ramzan timings (Iftar and Sehri) into your website with data from major institutions in Kashmir, such as Dar-ul-Uloom Raheemiya and Educational Trust Kashmir.

Clickbait Culture: The Dark Side of Kashmir's YouTube

Kashmir’s YouTube community is growing fast, giving creators a platform to share stories and talent. But with this rise, clickbait tactics have become common, affecting content quality and trust. This article explores the impact and calls for a shift toward honest storytelling.

Zaingeer and Bomai: A Tale of History, Heritage, and Unity

An article I wrote for my school magazine, Zaingeer, highlighting the history, heritage, and unity of Zaingeer and Bomai. Reproduced here with edits and additional images.

Hello World! My First Blog Post

After a long wait, I finally built my personal website! In this post, I share how I created it using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, why I chose Eleventy over WordPress, and what’s next for this blog. Welcome to my digital space!