Is our popularity on Social Media a Dependable Reality?

"50 likes in under 15 minutes! Wow. The world noticed me."

Can you relate to this thought? .... I can.

Social media is our personal window to the world. We are increasingly spending more time on it. But how crucial or important it is for one, is subjective. If it is consuming a lot of your mindspace, then it is a matter worth a discussion. Social media is a space for networking, knowledge sharing, marketing, and entertainment. It is a great platform of sorts,  but not a replacement for deep human connections and personal relationships. Your virtual friends and followers, however many they may be, can only see what you show, but they cannot feel what you feel. It’s not their business to. We all love to share our opinion, and flaunt the picture perfect moments of our lives. It certainly feels great when people acknowledge and appreciate the same. Deep down, many of us probably crave attention and  seek validation. Attractive post, people impressed, job done. We are pleased to know that others like us. Your post may garner a million ‘viewers’ and half a million likes but frankly, only a fraction of that number would have done it mindfully. Many of them will even post thoughtful comments. So, does this filtered bunch qualify to be called your friends? I doubt it. They still haven’t met the criteria. I am sorry to burst your bubble, they can genuinely mean well and send you a beautiful heart emoji, but can do little or nothing to sort your life mess. 

Your life is not virtual. It’s for real. 

Very recently, there has been an uproar regarding the untimely demise of a Bollywood celebrity. He took his own life. The news of the incident disturbed me a lot, and got me thinking. Like all celebrities, he had media attention and a massive fan following. It was all on the outside. The cause of his suffering is shrouded in mystery and nobody clearly knew what his demons were like. At least that’s what is being shared in the news. Everyone knew him, but did anyone ‘know’ him? I obviously don’t know any better, and am no one to opine in his case. Neither I am qualified to touch upon any mental health issues, which should require expert intervention. 

But what I do know, is that most of us are battling personal issues in our lives. Some big , some small. The problem can be triggered by external factors or an internal dilemma one feels stuck with, but for both , the solution mostly lies within us. When you seek answers , you have to do some self introspection. So either you solve your own thing, which is tougher because the mind is already clouded with confusion, or you need someone to help you discover the solution. Who would that person be? - A person who not only knows you well enough, but understands you, can delve that deep with you. We need such people in our lives. With whom we can share. The good, bad and ugly. 

I would like to cite an example here. On the battle field of Mahabharata , Arjuna was in a deep dilemma. He needed a Krishna to show him the way, in form of the Geeta. In context of the story, both the characters knew each other closely, for over a long period of time. They had shared in joys and sorrows. Krishna was the friend, philosopher and guide. He knew Arjuna too well. He saw that Arjuna was a worthy recipient of the supreme knowledge that he would impart. And the faith Arjuna had in Krishna wasn’t an overnight phenomenon. Krishna had demonstrated his divine capabilities time and again. Both had mutually invested whole heartedly in that relationship. 

In the current context, we need to know where to draw the line in our virtual experiences. ‘That’ world is fake. We need to get Real. In this battlefield called Life, if you are the perplexed Arjuna, then look out for and invest in the Krishnas hidden amongst your kith and kin. We need to love our families more. Revisit the priorities. Real-time relationships require nurturing. It is important to identify a personal circle of trust, however small it may be. Even ONE true friend, is enough. In return, be a good friend to someone.  Be dependable. Be kind. You could be someone’s Krishna, but first prove to be worthy of their confidence and trust. 

“Meri Zindagi Sanwaari, Mujhko Galey Laga ke,

Baitha Diya Falak pe, Mujhe Khaak se Utha ke.

Yaara Teri Yaari Ko Maine toh Khuda Maana.....”

Such beautiful relations demand patience , effort and commitment. And it ain’t happening over social media for sure.