To be and not to be post-COVID

Who got it wrongSantoshi Shetty Lifestyle bloggerFashion blogger Santoshi Shetty faced a reality check recently when she put up a video where she asked people to reach out to her for a heart to heart She spoke about building a community that would run on sharing positive energy But there was a rider It would cost Rs 1500The Internet went crazy with most of those challenging her asking if she was a qualified therapist Shetty took down the post and put up an apology that read I would like to apologise for making a video which was open to interpretation and for not clarifying that it was never meant as a substitute for mental health therapy sessions This too was panned as not good enoughObservers say the Internet influencer game has changed radically postpandemic and its going to take serious tact to be a successful but measured net celebrityStick to your nicheManveer Singh Malhi Digital marketing professionalDigital influencers should maintain a niche that defines them and avoid posting content that does not represent their persona They should pick a pace and commit to it And lastly find a balance between ethics and realityBe an advocate for mental health not a professionalNikhil TanejaCofounder We Are YuvaAll content you put on social media now comes with accountability Influencers should remember that they can be advocates for mental health awareness not professionals Shetty erred when she called it a communitybuilding exercise and then put a price to it What she was referring to are meet and greets which are ticketed events to meet an influencer Never give unsolicited adviceon the netWho got it wrongSaloni Chopra Actor and activistFollowers 453kSaloni Chopra who is known to put out feminist content put up a post where she had darkened her skin to make a point about colour discrimination As she said We feed women insecurities and then we judge them and blame them for wanting to change themselves She was panned for trying to talk about an issue which was far removed from her lived reality As someone remarked When a privileged person in this case fair puts bronzer to look darkerhellipYou are negating the entire story of struggle that darker skinned people go through every day It would seem that Chopra got carried away about making a point when she could have said what she had to say by putting up a picture of herself as she was Isnt feminism all about being yourselfUnderstand the issueNikhil Taneja Cofounder We Are YuvaFirst know everything there is to know about a particular issue and then discuss it online When I am posed questions that I have no experience about I always try and guide people to an individual who is an expert We have to be cognisant of what we are reacting to as well and choose wellBe sensitive to all sensibilitiesHitesh Rajwani founder Social Samosa online publication reporting campaigns trends and insights on marketing and social mediaInfluencers should stay true to their personality values and beliefs The audience follows them for a certain appeal and purpose whether education entertainment or inspiration If they wish to expand their purview they must ensure that the content they create is meaningful for and sensitive to all sensibilitiesThat said we are all going through turbulent times and everyone is fighting some battle or the other The amount of negativity that brands creators and influencers receive is toxic As responsible citizens we should refrain from fuelling social media trialsWho is getting it rightTed the Stoner aka Jitendra SharmaFollowers 14 millionTed the stoner is only 25 but has a well thought out opinion on everything Why we approve of the influencer is because he adds a dash of humour and memes to his worldview making it easy to digest He often calls his opinions Teds 2 cents Also most of the content seems to be devoid of brand mentions and paid partnerships and so it feels authentic and real When we spoke to Sharma and asked him his motivation he said Firstly you have to understand that when you cater to an audience of over a million people whatever you speak will obviously be open to interpretation by multiple people who have been raised in different environments and cultures That is precisely why you need to think before you speak When it comes to certain topics you need to do some research before you form an opinion Most people on the Internet choose to jump on a trending topic without getting their facts right There are times when the audience expects you to put out a reaction to a subject thats sensitive in nature and youre not qualified enough Here research becomes criticalHis followers know what to expect from himManveer Singh Malhi Digital marketing professionalHis content is witty and he is up to date with trends And since he has always been talking about it it doesnt sound odd This is what he is good at Now compare that to Santoshi Shetty She has been doing fashion content and suddenly chose to comment on mental healthCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news 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