Ashish Shrivastav: The follower game on social media is a drawback that is affecting many

MUMBAI: Social media has changed the way we are connecting with people worldwide and in helping us getting to know what is happening around us, says Ashish Shrivastav. The director feels that the space is both good and bad, and therefore it becomes necessary for us to use it wisely.

“Social media has revolutionized our lives in a big way. It has become a window to our lives and thoughts. We should be particular about what we are sharing or writing or saying. At times we have to be direct, sometimes politically correct because you can be troubled or trolled about your statement,” adds the director, who has helmed TV shows such Shaadi Mubarak, Yeh Rishte Hai Pyar Ke, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Ishq Subhan Allah, Piya Albela and Kahani Ghar Ghar ki etc.

Talking about the competition about getting a maximum number of followers, he says, “You generally come on social media so that people can see you, and you can express your views and get to know what people think about your views.  But this follower game is a drawback that is affecting many. I guess it’s time we ignore such things.”

Many feel that world of social media is fake yet there are people who constantly try to get attention. It also seems to have become an ego massage tool and disturbing normal life in the way users are always worried thinking what new and interesting to post every day.

“This may be true for actors but people like me who work behind the camera, we feel no pressure. I post whenever I feel like or whatever I feel like. For me interacting with my audience and people I admire, matters the most. I also don’t follow random people but those I know and work with. I focus on the positive of social media that allows me to stay in touch with friends and relatives and how it helps create awareness and even help people in need. In times of Covid we have seen several such examples,” he says.