Lessons on Social Media

All of us, at some point of time have deployed social media as a timeline of our lives. However, we tend to forget that some parts of our lives are meant to be kept secret and some needs attention. One person, I believe who has the acumen to deal with social media is none other than our honorable digitally engaged PM Modi.

From the very first day when the new PMO site went live as he gave his first address after taking oath as Prime Minister, he has continued his timeliness and live nature of social media. All kinds of critical updates whether flak or pleasant congratulatory message or any updates break first in the PMO’s social media stream before an official announcement on traditional means. No doubt, with his “DigitalIndia” move, the commoners are expecting a lot of infrastructural and economic growth in the years to come. PM Modi has always tried to let a little bit of his personality reflect in every move that connects him to the audience. Modi’s monthly radio show “MANN KI BAAT” is an example of a more casual, informal interaction where he is able to touch even the remotest of the villages in India. There is another thing worth noticing, PM Modi seems to understand that expecting people to come to you is passé. Therefore, it’s better to go to the people where they are. Youtube for video watchers, instagram to reach selfie crazy photo fans, radio to address the non online millions. Not to forget, Modi is now amongst the top world leaders in terms of numbers of followers across social media. He was the first to get onto Weibo( Chinese social network). It was a very wise step as it helped him to connect with young Chinese before he visited the country.

 As we always say, every coin has two sides. One trait that is quite evident within him is his capability to civil selective silence. For a PM who is socially super active, sudden silence on topics that are stirring national interest seems strange, and makes people question the real openness of Modi and his willingness to express himself on seemingly difficult topics.

So really it’s about striking the right balance between what to do and what to avoid. We all need this balance in life and the soon we realize, the better it is.

Sonalika Thukral