The internet, a vast and ever-evolving space, was born without an instruction manual. This lack of guidance has left many navigating its complexities without a clear roadmap. At the Hindu Lit for Life 2025, ‘accidental influencers’ Malini Agarwal, popularly known as Miss Malini, and krish Ashok, author of The Masala Lab, shared their insights on thriving in the digital world. Their conversation, rich with personal anecdotes and practical advice, touched on online etiquette, dealing with trolls, the balance between creation and consumption, kindness, and the role of AI in shaping our virtual lives.
The Journey of Accidental Influencers
Miss Malini’s journey began in 2008 with a blog on WordPress. Reflecting on her experiences, she said, “I have realised that as much as social media and the internet gave me this unusual life and the ability to be here, it took its pound of flesh.” Her candid admission highlights the dual-edged nature of online fame.she emphasized the importance of discussing mistakes openly, as they serve as valuable lessons for others navigating similar paths.Krish Ashok’s approach to social media was rooted in practicality. “I picked up social media as an avenue for simply getting feedback on the skills I was picking up back in 2012 and 2013. After that, if you’re using social media to get feedback, you’re doing it wrong,” he remarked. His perspective underscores the evolving role of social media from a feedback tool to a platform for broader engagement.
The Duty of the Digital Community
Both speakers agreed that the internet is not an alien nation but a creation of its users. Miss Malini stressed, “We created the internet, and if it needs to be cleaned up, it is indeed on us.” This call to action highlights the collective responsibility of users to foster a positive and respectful online habitat.
Key Takeaways from the Session
The session provided a survival kit for thriving in the virtual world. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed:
| Topic | Insights |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Online Etiquette | Be mindful of your digital footprint and interactions. |
| Dealing with Trolls | Focus on constructive engagement and avoid feeding negativity. |
| Creation vs.Consumption | Strive for a balance between creating content and consuming it. |
| Kindness | Practice empathy and kindness in all online interactions. |
| Role of AI | Leverage AI tools responsibly to enhance your online presence. |
A Call to Action
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the insights shared by Miss Malini and Krish Ashok serve as a guide for anyone looking to navigate the internet with purpose and integrity. For more updates from The Hindu Lit for life 2025, check out the live coverage here.The internet may have been born without a manual, but with the right mindset and tools, we can all contribute to making it a better place.
Navigating Social Media: Insights from The Hindu Lit for Life 2025
The digital age has transformed how we communicate, but it has also given rise to a darker side of the internet: trolling. At The Hindu Lit for Life 2025,experts like Ashok and Ms. Agarwal shed light on the complexities of social media, offering valuable insights into managing online presence and dealing with trolls.
The Anatomy of a troll
“The anatomy of a troll is generally someone who is really angry about something and in very few cases does the trolling have anything to do with you,” said Ms. Agarwal. She emphasized that trolls should not be taken personally, as their behavior often stems from unresolved anger rather then the content they target.
A social experiment revealed that most trolls are 16-year-old boys, raising questions about the role of education in social media use. “I personally don’t think children under 16 should be on social media. Australia has banned it, and other countries are considering it, but I think it is indeed arduous to enforce it in a country like India,” Ashok noted.
The Consumption-Creation Ratio
Ashok shared a key strategy for thriving on social media: the consumption-creation ratio. “If I’m consuming one hour of Netflix, I would like to spend one-hour writing. I can’t simply consume, I have to also contribute,” he explained. This balance ensures that users are not just passive consumers but active contributors to the digital ecosystem.
Building Communities Online
Creating a meaningful online presence requires effort and storytelling skills. “The mistake people make when they create an online presence is that they naturally think this is a shallow medium that does not require much effort. Be a good storyteller. An Instagram reel is a 250-word short story. You have to give this the same amount of respect you would give to your 65,000-word book,” Ashok advised.
Key Takeaways from The Hindu Lit for Life 2025
| Topic | Insight |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Trolling | Trolls are often angry individuals; their behavior is rarely personal. |
| Social Media Age Limit | Children under 16 should avoid social media, though enforcement is challenging. |
| Consumption-Creation Ratio | Balance media consumption with content creation for a healthier online presence. |
| Storytelling | Treat social media content with the same respect as customary storytelling. |
The Hindu Lit for Life 2025 event, presented by KIA India and in association with Christ University, brought together thought leaders to discuss the evolving digital landscape. With support from partners like LIC, Blue Star, and Chennai Port Authority, the event highlighted the importance of responsible social media use and community building.
For more highlights from the event, check out the Hindu Lit for Life 2025 Day 1 updates.
As we navigate the complexities of social media, thes insights remind us to approach online interactions with mindfulness, creativity, and resilience.
