Complexity of social media reality

Social media personalities enjoy a great deal of influence in the technological era of today. From Instagram sensations to YouTube stars, the trends that these individuals set forth shape different attitudes toward inspiration. However, the effects – on the impressionable young minds in particular – of these social media sites which provide a platform to showcase creative skills and natural talent, offer educational and entertainment avenues, and promote social pursuits have been drawn into sharp question.

In Pakistan, thousands of influencers put their routine activities and other engagements on display via vlogging, videos and stills. The most terrible part of this whole pursuit, however, is that an overwhelming majority of social media influencers tend to portray themselves as perfect and successful, generating wrong or unrealistic perceptions, among their followers, of things and deeds like beauty standards, health metrics and toughness benchmarks. All this triggers a sense of aspiration among the viewers which, though healthy, at times borders on temptation, deprivation and unease. And the rat race to muster likes and attract followers provokes these social media influencers into working up their content on a regular basis, thus distorting the image that their viewers, the young ones in particular, have of the various matters, and setting unassailable targets for them.

These influencers cash in on their social media clout in several ways, mainly by earning sponsorships and partnerships, thereby minting money. And this is what further blurs the already muddled lines between genuine and commercial content.

Fake or worked-up social media depictions of beauty, fame and riches conjure up a world brimful of glam and glitter for the audiences to be influenced by and go after. The pursuit of a glamorous life –painted by these social media starts – take many a follower down the path of dejection and deprivation, besides financial troubles.

As is generally the case, use of social media has its flip side too. There are social media players whose content is having a positive influence on society as they are: educating their followers on matters of ethics, morality, humanity, logic, science and religion; providing them knowledge of history and current affairs; and creating awareness on the burning issues of today, for instance climate change. Also, there are influencers who warn their followers about the harsh reality of life, thereby lifting off them the colossal pressure of achieving the unrealistic target they have set themselves in a make-believe world of social media.

Of the influencers driving a positive change, Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is one. Having millions of followers, Rathee is teaching the world about important global issues. Jessica from Australia is another one to cite in the context. Her YouTube channel, Study with Jess, shares simple study tips as well as lifestyle content and is hugely popular in the cyber world. Jessica has also founded Educationery, a line of educational stationery for students. American entrepreneur Tim Ferriss is another amazing influencer. The 47 year-old podcaster, who is also an author, focuses on productivity by interviewing very successful people from different walks of life. Ferriss shares tips on healthy living, diet, exercise and happiness. He is a true role model on how to succeed in the realms of health and wellness.

It goes without saying that positive content takes the focus off materialism and superficiality. It does make a difference on society in general and embolden its creator as well.

To conclude, social media has both its pros and cons. It is for the context creators to decide how they want to be labelled as – role models or petty opportunists -- in the cyber space; and for the subscribers to decide who they want to follow. However, teachers and elders can be good guides.