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“Kaunsi film dekhi?…OTT par wo series achhi hai? Wo wali reel dekhi ya nahi dekhi?” No this is not a normal day to day talk between two friends , this is what prime minister is saying during his address in centenary function of the Delhi university which held recently (‘Kaunsi Film Dekhi…Woh Reel Dekhi?’ PM Chats With ‘Young Friends’ During His Delhi Metro Ride | WATCH – News18) , he was talking about his interactions with youngsters during metro travel , Prime minister being so tech savvy himself knows nowadays that youth are attracted towards two things for their dose of entertainment , one is OTT and other is Instagram reels, these two things are talk of their daily whatsup group chats, people post status and stories in respect of their movie experience and reels fan clubs, Facebook and Insta pages, twitter trends , are dedicated to their favourite Insta and OTT series celebrities, post the ban on TikTok in 2020, Insta reels have become for our daily dose of entertainment what Maggi is to all of us for hunger , both are quick ,easy to follow and popular among not only youth but all sections of society even among movie stars, TV stars, cricketers and political parties as well, they have started using Insta reels and memes to reach out to there voters specially younger ones who are neither interested in their pamphlets nor posters , be it “dekh rah a binod” , “I am unstoppable” , “the boys template” “Kaam aisa karo ki char log”, “skip skip skip” etc. the list is endless, if a reel or meme is famous , it will be both used by ruling and opposition party to convey their message among its target audience as people are neither interested in their banner nor long speeches and rallies. With the exponential growth of social media platforms, Instagram has become a prominent force in shaping modern digital culture. The introduction of Instagram Reels, a short-form video feature, has further revolutionized the way users engage with content.
Instagram Reels, like its predecessor TikTok, has fuelled the desire for viral fame. Users are now driven to create attention-grabbing content, often resorting to trends, challenges, and gimmicks with the hope of gaining millions of views and followers overnight. While this quest for fame can be seen as harmless fun, it can also lead to an unhealthy obsession with validation and a fear of missing out (FOMO) among users.
On the flip side, Instagram Reels offers a creative outlet for users to express themselves. It encourages individuals to experiment with video editing, audio manipulation, and storytelling within short time frames. Many aspiring artists, dancers, and comedians have leveraged this feature to showcase their talents, reaching a wider audience and gaining recognition. It provides a platform for fresh talent to emerge and break traditional barriers to entry in the entertainment industry.
While Instagram Reels can be entertaining and inspiring, it also has the potential to negatively impact users’ mental health. Constant exposure to curated, highlight-reel content may contribute to feelings of inadequacy and comparison. The pressure to present a perfect image can lead to self-esteem issues and dissatisfaction with one’s own life. Moreover, the constant need for validation through likes and comments can significantly impact one’s self-worth and emotional well-being.
Instagram Reels has emerged as a powerful marketing tool for brands and influencers. With the integration of shoppable tags and promotional campaigns, it has seamlessly blended entertainment with commercial intent. Viewers are often exposed to product placements and endorsements, leading to a potential impact on consumer behaviour. The allure of instant gratification and the urge to emulate influencers can drive impulsive buying decisions and overspending.
As with any user-generated content platform, the risk of misinformation and fake news accompanies the popularity of Instagram Reels. Videos shared without due diligence or fact-checking can spread misconceptions and contribute to the echo-chamber effect. It is crucial for users to critically evaluate the content they consume and actively seek reliable sources of information.
Instagram Reels has undoubtedly made a significant impact on society, transforming the way we consume and create content. It has democratized entertainment, empowered creativity, and provided opportunities for exposure and recognition. However, it is important to navigate the platform responsibly, recognizing the potential risks to mental health, consumer behavior, and the spread of misinformation.
As users, we must strike a balance between pursuing our own passions and interests while practicing critical thinking and discernment. Social media platforms like Instagram Reels have the potential to enhance our lives, but it is our responsibility to ensure that they do not overshadow our well-being and connection to the real world, this has been so beautifully put by Michelle Obama in one of our her quote” When it comes to social media, there are just times I turn off the world, you know. There are just sometimes you have to give yourself space to be quiet, which means you’ve got to set those phones down”.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.