‘Instagram and YouTube are killing our entertainment industry’ 

It was almost dusk. While travelling on a train from Chennai, I sat next to a man who was enthusiastically talking on the phone about his wife’s cookery channel on YouTube, urging his friends to watch it and click the like button. The conversation revolved around nothing else. It struck me then how much our mindset has shifted. Today, in every household, there is a star. We are more interested in building our own fan base than in becoming fans of someone else’s work. 

I recently attended the premiere of a movie, where several social media influencers had been invited. It was surprising to see how most of them, instead of immersing themselves in the film, were casually scrolling through their phones, watching videos. These were the very people who would later promote the film. Movies and television shows, which once required patience and engagement, now struggle to hold people’s attention because everything today is designed to be consumed in short bursts. Social media, which was once a space for casual browsing and staying connected with friends, has transformed into a digital black hole, consuming our time, attention, and even the way we experience entertainment. 

The addiction is real, and I have experienced it firsthand. I find myself mindlessly scrolling on Instagram for hours, only to delete the app in frustration, thinking I’ve finally broken the cycle. But within no time, I reinstall it and fall back into the same habit. This endless loop is not just affecting my productivity but also my ability to focus on one thing for a long period of time. Watching a full-length film now feels like an act of discipline rather than a natural source of entertainment. 

Instagram and YouTube have taken over entertainment to such an extent that they are slowly reshaping the way we engage with storytelling. Even the joy of appreciating a well-crafted film or a beautifully written book is being replaced by the pursuit of personal validation. Everyone wants to be a creator, an influencer, a trendsetter, and as a result, we have become a society obsessed with self-promotion rather than genuine admiration for artistic talent. If a video doesn’t grab attention within the first few seconds, it is swiped away and forgotten. 

Scrolling endlessly through Instagram or YouTube gives the illusion of productivity when, in reality, it only adds to mental fatigue. The endless stream of information, comparisons, and distractions leads to heightened anxiety, stress, and even depression. Physically, the effects are just as damaging. Hours of screen time contribute to obesity, eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and a sedentary lifestyle that is slowly becoming the norm. 

Beyond personal well-being, social media is changing the very fabric of the entertainment industry. The emphasis has shifted from genuine storytelling to content that is created purely for clicks and engagement. Sensationalism has replaced authenticity, with creators chasing shock value and controversy rather than substance. Digital influencers with no real artistic background gain massive followings simply by jumping on trends, while serious filmmakers, musicians, and authors struggle for recognition. Movies and television shows that once had cultural significance are now overshadowed by viral clips and meme-worthy moments. The traditional entertainment industry is being forced to compete with the immediacy of social media, and in many cases, it is losing the battle. 

This raises a fundamental question: where is all this leading? There’s no such thing as personal space anymore. Daily activities like waking up, brushing one’s teeth, and preparing breakfast have found their way into influencers’ vlogs. Family disputes and household dramas are filmed and edited like scripted television serials, competing for online popularity. It is exhausting. 

Something needs to be done to limit the influence of social media before it completely overtakes our lives. Digital detox measures should be actively encouraged, and people need to be made aware of the impact that excessive social media consumption has on their mental and physical health. Governments and tech companies must take responsibility for how their platforms are designed, ensuring that they do not promote addictive behaviors. Traditional forms of entertainment should be revived and supported so that people can once again experience the joy of long-form storytelling, whether through movies, books, or music. 

The bigger question is not just about what social media is doing to entertainment but what it is doing to us as individuals. One possible solution to this crisis is to redefine the purpose of social media altogether. Instead of being platforms that thrive on viral entertainment and superficial engagement, YouTube and Instagram should prioritize content that educates, inspires, and uplifts society. Videos that promote knowledge, self-improvement, spirituality, and meaningful discussions should be encouraged, while entertainment-driven content that fuels distraction, addiction, and short attention spans should be banned or heavily regulated. These platforms could then serve a higher purpose, rather than contribute to the decline of creativity, focus, and cultural appreciation.

Another necessary step would be to take strict action against creators posting obscene content by ensuring that they can never open new accounts after repeated violations. The censorship guidelines must be altered accordingly to eliminate explicit and harmful content. Last year, the Advertising Standards Council of India introduced a set of self-regulatory guidelines for influencers, requiring disclaimers and disclosures. Similarly, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has regulations for influencers promoting financial products. The United States Federal Trade Commission, the Advertising Standards Authority, and the Competition and Markets Authority in the United Kingdom all have rules enforcing honesty and transparency for brand influencers. Violating these regulations can result in penalties, fines, and legal consequences.

It is high time we rethink our relationship with digital platforms. We are already more connected to machines than to real people—always plugged in, always consuming, almost programmed like robots. Completely detaching ourselves from the digital world is impractical, but managing our digital consumption and ensuring that content has meaningful intent will lead us toward a better, more balanced future.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of exchange4media.com.