Social Media’s Uncanny Focus

Bini Dahal

My Christmas afternoon was peaceful until social media began rattling. Apparently, popular Bollywood actor parents had ‘unveiled’ their daughter to the public. And everyone was gushing over how the kid had the eyes of her great-grandfather, a legendary actor of India, among other observations. Now why am I even talking about this? It is partly because the popularity of Indian films and TV serials have spread well to Nepal. So, owing to the proximity and the popularity, we are not completely unaware of what is going on there. I had a kind headache after I felt I was being over-fed with this news. 

My overly critical and rational mind felt that having uncanny resemblance to family members is a normal thing as genetic traits are transferred from generation to generation, which is clearly highlighted by popular scientists like Gregor Mendel. When I shared this with one of my friends, she cut me off by saying I was over-exaggerating and that discussions as such even took place when there is a new-born in a normal family. And I had to agree with her silently.

But I still wanted to make a point. The comments are filled with how cute and lovely the child looked. I counter this by saying it is normal for kids that age to be adorable. My other friend gives her input saying how the kid’s fair skin and blue eyes must have been a reason for the media frenzy. And as I write this, I still am confused and find it hilarious that a one-year-old kid is already so popular.

The parents of the said child had requested the media to not take pictures of their little one, and for the last one year, the public was unaware as to how the child looked. And now, the parents themselves have come up and showed their kid’s face. The matter of discussion here is not whether a celebrity should make their children a topic of discussion in social media and public platforms. But it’s more about the kind of response and news highlight that comes with such a public showcase. We are fed with this news because we are more than interested to probe into the lives of the well-known.

While I read all of the headlines and was bombarded with the photo of the kid everywhere, I couldn't help but feel that maybe, we have much more important things going on in the world. The kid is gifted with great genes for sure and will continue to live a life full of privileges. But let’s face it. There are children who are suffering from poverty, hunger and malnutrition.  Ongoing wars in different parts of the globe have taken their lives and the lives of their dear ones, making them orphan and helpless. 

Has anyone realised how it should have been colder but the days are scorching hot? We seem to have failed to prioritise matters and the media knows it very well that only the entertaining news sells and gets a lot of attention. The constant gossip and news seems to be a good validation and a break from the constant stress and monotonous life. As I try making a point, someone else might be preparing to drop another entertaining breaking news. I am sure this will continue in the future, too. So, while I rant, I might as well prepare myself for creative future headlines and news articles.