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The rise of Sarahah, the new messaging app primarily tells us one thing: Others' opinions of us do matter.
The rise of Sarahah, the new messaging app primarily tells us one thing: Others’ opinions of us do matter.
Sarahah denotes ‘honesty’ or ‘candour’ in Arabic. It was started as a workplace feedback tool but gradually, more teens started using it. Eventually, for the last few weeks, the anonymous messaging app made its way to people’s Facebook newsfeed, Whatsapp status and every other place. It now has millions of users and has been at the top of Apple’s App Store for weeks.
In fact, people who claimed themselves to be bold and fiery, who always used to tell you and me that others’ opinions do not matter to them, yes, you guessed it right, the ones who used to ‘sing’ – ‘Kuch toh log kahenge, logo ka kaam hai kehena’ too have actually created an account in Sarahah in order to know what other’s have to opine regarding them.
Honestly, I don’t see the point of furnishing on social media all those Sarahah messages, beginning from the creepy ones to the lovey-dovey ones to the ones where people have tried to shame them. You may call the one who anonymously texted you an attention-seeker but do reflect on why we are seeking this attention ourselves! Another thing that draws my attention is the ‘ping up’ or ‘Kindly inbox’ thing. My question is, if the person had to tell you all these ‘constructive messages’ in person, then why on earth would he/she use Sarahah at all?
I acknowledge the fact that it is fun but only to a certain extent and definitely not funnier than memes. For almost a week, every time I log in to Facebook, all that is visible is Sarahah and Sarahah and more Sarahah.
I believe that Sarahah actually encourages attention-seeking behaviour when what we probably need more of is inward reflection. Studies have revealed how constantly seeking validation from others only ends up in having lower self-esteem. We are actually likely to feel worse after using Sarahah. Besides, creative people need to spend time with themselves, not just be outward focused.
In a report on Business Insider India, the anonymous messaging app has been referred to as the ‘breeding ground for hate’. The app has been accused of being a platform for racism, threats and bullying.
Along with Sarahah, another vicious social media phenomenon that has surfaced is the Blue Whale Challenge. This life threating game is a set of 50 tasks mostly targeted at teenagers, who post clips of their completed tasks on social media with certain hashtags or on groups, all culminating in the player committing suicide at the end.
All this inclination towards virtual media is the outcome of loneliness, an inability to communicate in the real world, and perhaps even depression that most us fail to notice that our dear one is suffering from. Our generation measures success in terms of each like, comment, re-tweet, and share on every social media post.
Only Time will tell us whether Sarahah is here to stay or it’s just another fizzle bomb in social media. But one thing that is obvious today is that it allures us to know exactly what people think about us; others’ opinion does matter.
Top image is a poster of the movie Mean Girls
I'm a Political Science student from St.Xavier's College, Kolkata. Biryani and F.R.I.E.N.D.S are the best possible ways to uplift my mood. A dreamer at night,a read more...
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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