Actress Izara Aishah tells about her digital pet peeves
1. WHAT WAY HAS SOCIAL MEDIA SURPRISED YOU?
The fact that it dictates and emotionally affects a big part of society’s lifestyle — from how individuals like the Kardashians can profit so much off it, to cyber bullying being the major cause for modern-day depression.
2. WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERNS?
I don’t like to go online that much — a team does all the publicity posts on my official accounts. It was only when I started Madame Izara that my social media activity saw a slight improvement.
I would choose to play it cool if it weren’t for my cosmetics business.
The biggest concern I have about social media is that it is the era of making things go viral. Anybody can become famous, regardless of the foolish content they post as long as they play their digital cards right.
People tend to go overboard. Success in modern times is not just dependent on being digitally intelligent. We also need to act appropriately now that there is a world of opportunities at our fingertips.
3. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR DIGITAL PET PEEVES?
Online negativity and too much screen time. It gets on my nerves when people don’t try to make an effort to interact physically. We even choose to play games with friends via our desktops, consoles and gadgets instead of enjoying recreation sans digital.
This attachment to our screens is not just among adults but also kids — they are more interested in watching shows on the iPad/iPhone than play.
If you look at our lifestyle today, we don’t talk much and have become anti-social day by day.
4. HOW HAS THE INTERNET INFLUENCED ENTERTAINMENT AND WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF IT?
Some individuals ease their way into the entertainment field without talent or passion.
What makes it more upsetting is that some producers don’t even realise how the business is affected when they flood the talent pool by championing these so-called artistes — I believe that the industry’s standards and quality are at stake.
5. AS A CELEBRITY, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ONLINE TROLLS?
I refrain from reading comments I get on social media. It’s just one way not to get worked up over criticisms.
Sometimes the harsh messages hit me hard. I am a human being with emotions after all. Online trolls are just people with insecurities. They want to manipulate your feelings and get some sort of reaction, so don’t give them the satisfaction. When you come across bullies, just take the high road.
6. WE HEAR THAT YOU ARE A FAN OF FIDGET SPINNERS. IS THAT TRUE?
I love it. I use my fidget spinner to calm my nerves. I actually have this habit of biting my fingernails when I get uneasy so it really helps — cuticles are safe and worries are forgotten.