Azraa Killru
Likes. Shares. Engagement. Reach. Followers. These sound pitifully wrong coming from a Sri Lankan writer managing an Instagram page with a mere 600+ followers. Today’s digital culture determines an artist’s worth by the number of followers we have amassed. These numbers don’t matter to some of us.
Social media is congested with influencers. Similar to every advertising medium the world has seen, influencer marketing deserves credit for bridging the gap between businesses and their customers. However, the unspoken rivalry amongst them turns from ugly to alarming the moment an influencer decides to buy fake followers because organic growth is slow and tedious, and frankly, lethal for business.
Community building is at the forefront of this marketing methodology but its very essence has been misunderstood. Rather than focusing on the content, the trend is prioritised. The hashtag virus is deadlier than we think.
Instead of using #WomenEmpowerment to address issues that encourage a woman’s growth, it’s now used to promote a new fashion line. Where #MentalHealth and #Depression was meant to address the taboo subjects the society is in dire need of discussing, it has now turned into a quote market that facilitates captions for mirror selfies. The very meaning of these hashtags is being mutilated.
Amidst this commercial structure, writers, artists and a few content creators exist with the sole aim of connecting with others in order to build a community. There is a blurry line between an artist and an influencer. But the truth is simple. Not all writers and artists are influencers or digital content creators with a business motive.
Two to three decades ago, friends gathered around the verandah to discuss life matters over a cup of tea. This community still continues to exist on social media platforms. The global communities are larger, able to share valuable information, support and inspire one another with a phenomenal breadth of the impact our ancestors wouldn’t have dreamt of. This is what most artists do. They create content to add value to those who stumble across their posts.
Writing is an integral part of my life. From my profession to my personal hobbies, life goals to passion projects, they all revolve around some form of writing. This includes the books I aspire to publish, the poetry my soul inks during its emotional cacophonies and epiphanies, as well as the write-ups I believe our society needs to talk about.
The topics range from motivation, women empowerment, mental health, positive energy, love and relationships as well as social issues rampant amongst South Asian communities. The authenticity in what I communicate is why it resonates with my limited, nevertheless, discerning followers who continue to be a part of my gradual growth as a writer. I’m grateful for the determination it fuels me with, to touch as many hearts as possible and to help people overcome their pain and limiting beliefs.
I frequently receive messages from women in Sri Lanka and from overseas. From appreciating my voice and content choice, most of them thank me for what I write. On some days, the messages leave me speechless with gratitude. On days of self-reflection, I question myself why I do what I do and their feedback is answer enough. This reward is never reflected by the number of likes and post garners.
We all encounter a range of internal demons. It’s easier to talk about what’s wrong with the world but difficult to discuss our inner world.
When one writer, one woman, chooses to openly express her thoughts, it gives hope and courage for others to acknowledge their own feelings. The culture of shame gradually dissipates. This is where change begins.
Accepting one’s own feelings enthuses people to heal and evolve. I think that’s the best gift writing has given me. To connect and inspire. To learn and understand. To give to my fellow human beings, and earn their love in return.
