Time to review social media etiquette, set new standards for posts during current crisis
Many Indian social media “celebrities,” are now slammed by their fans for being insensitive during the pandemic. It’s time to review social media etiquette and set new standards for posts in light of the current situation
Ironically, several Indian actors, sports stars, and influencers are facing a severe backlash for posting about their lavish lifestyles, putting up holiday pictures, and sharing their political stance or lack thereof.
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli were trolled mercilessly for asking for donations, albeit for a cause. Actors like Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty were criticised for posting their foreign holiday photos when the entire country is in lockdown.
Actor Anupam Kher, Divya Kumar Khosla, and a few others who posted their vaccination selfies were shamed for flaunting their privileged status while common people were struggling to get vaccination slots.
REVAMPING RULES
Perhaps, in a period of such grief and crisis, it becomes even more important for social media stars to learn when to be silent. A lot of them also need to brush up on their social media etiquette before posting.
Navneet Minocha, image consultant and etiquette expert, says, “This is not the time to brag; be humble. Millions are struggling to make ends meet while also juggling with health-related issues. You may be excited about posting that vaccine selfie, but for someone viewing that post who hasn’t been fortunate enough to get the vaccine yet or has suffered a personal loss, it could seem highly insensitive. Be wary of how you promote yourself in the current circumstances that the country is facing.” 1. BRAND PROMOTION: Even during pandemic celebs like Shilpa Shetty went ahead with brand promotions on social media
It’s not news that people go on vacation, or to restaurants, but due to social media, the eagerness to show off is making people behave like wannabes. The insensitive flaunting of wealth, designer clothes, cars, holidays and privilege should be restricted. Not only is it a bad time to show off, but it also affects young minds, who get depressed if they can’t afford such things
— SHAHNAAZ KHAN, digital entrepreneur
“If you are sharing content about your work achievements, make sure you add an extra blanket of empathy and compassion, as there may be many who have recently lost jobs,” says Navneet.
POST POSITIVE INFO
This is the time to communicate and stay connected, but not all posts have to be about the virus. You can talk about business changes you have made because of the pandemic, and about general well-being, suggests Dr Sanjay Gupta, Vice-Chancellor at the World University of Design. “It’s important to keep posting, because once we overcome these difficult times, people will remember you for providing value and showing up in dark times,” he says. “However, think twice about the content before posting it online. You can talk about the pandemic, provide a health tip, a relevant quote, share what is going on in your community, or post relevant comments on conversations. Posts can address the needs of the community. New requirements, free resources, services, offers, and stories of motivation set a good example. Share how you are taking care of yourself and others around you. Promote personal hygiene, showcase what physical distancing looks like in your life, share your work-fromhome station, your self-care routine, and what you do for your mental health. This is our new normal,” he points out.
PROHIBIT PROMOTIONS
Devlina Ganguly, a corporate professional, recently tweeted about how social media influencers are spreading misinformation just to gain some likes. She shares, “A beauty blogger posted about the benefits of Vitamin C in the pandemic, and her post was all about promoting a face serum with Vitamin C. I felt really angry after reading this shameless promotion in the garb of health benefits. Such ‘influencers’ should be careful about posting misinformation just to get social media validation, now is not the time for this.”
Digital entrepreneur Shahnaaz Khan feels online influencers should be held accountable while promoting products and services. She says, “It’s not news that people go on vacation, or to restaurants, but due to social media, the eagerness to show off is making people behave like wannabes. The insensitive flaunting of wealth, designer clothes, cars, holidays and privilege should be restricted. Not only is it a bad time to show off, but it also affects young minds, who get depressed if they can’t afford such things.”
However, Utkarsh Arora, cofounder of The Social Dukan, begs to differ from popular opinion. He points out that “By seeing vaccination posts and stories, a lot of the people are being encouraged to go out and get it done. There will always be someone who will get hurt by your content.”
This is not the time to brag; be humble. Millions are struggling to make ends meet while also juggling with health-related issues. You may be excited about posting that vaccine selfie, but for someone viewing that post who hasn’t been fortunate enough to get the vaccine yet or has suffered a personal loss, it could seem highly insensitive. Be wary of how you promote yourself in the current circumstances that the country is facing.
— NAVNEET MINOCHA,
image consultant and etiquette
expert
Think twice about the content before posting it online. You can talk about the pandemic, provide a health tip, a relevant quote, share what is going on in your community... Stories of motivation set a good example. Share how you are taking care of yourself and others around you. Promote personal hygiene, showcase what physical distancing looks like in your life... This is our new normal
— DR SANJAY GUPTA,
Vice-Chancellor at the World University of Design