In the fast-paced digital age, social media stands as a powerful yet controversial tool, especially for creative professionals like Simmer Bhatia who is a writer, producer, and director of the short film Pravaah - The Flow. Her perspective on social media reveals her balanced approach to its opportunities and pitfalls.
“Social media has been helpful in the sense of reaching out to people you don’t know. It feels nice when what you post makes a difference to people and they say that. You connect with nice , real people too at times,” Simmer reflects. She acknowledges that it offers a vast platform for individuals to showcase their talents and connect with others.
Yet, she draws a firm line when it comes to authenticity. “I would never pay just to get increased likes. Fake publicity is not me,” she asserts. Her commitment to authenticity means she only shares content that truly represents her. She believes that real growth, though slower, is more rewarding. “Slow and steady wins the race, in originality,” she states, emphasizing her preference for organic feedback.
She appreciates the personal benefits social media has brought her. “This platform has helped me to express my thoughts/ views/ insights of life, through my posts. It has helped me to connect sometimes with like minded & various talents across the globe,” she says. It has also enabled her to connect with like-minded individuals and various talents globally. Despite these advantages, she remains critical of the superficial aspects of social media popularity. “As long as you have earned the popularity by your own credit and authenticity, it’s a great medium to reach across the globe and make a difference by your gifted talents,” she observes. However, she warns that popularity based on fakeness is fleeting.
While many feel overwhelmed by the rapid rise of others on social media, She maintains a calm and grounded approach. “Social media should not become an addiction or dependency that your self-image gets addicted to,” she advises.
Simmer’s approach to her own social media performance is refreshingly nonchalant. " No, I simply post what I have to and leave it. Who wants to see can watch, comment , like or do nothing. I am not dependent or addicted to likes or status on social media. Everything can be bought, so you can’t judge yourself based on likes or numbers. Be confident & simply do your bit and leave it," she says.
In the entertainment industry, where social media presence is often prioritized in casting decisions, Simmer remains critical. “Like I said everything can be bought so judging someone with their social media status, is foolishness and immaturity on who is doing it. That’s why so many genuine, good actors are roaming without work . Everyone can’t buy or believe in upgrading their social media status, just to show off or get work or keep posting just to match the rat race. As an actor, I say getting a chance to work is all about having contacts, luck and having contacts & boosting the right people’s ego. Else nothing helps,” she says.
