‘Instagram And YouTube Are Killing Our Entertainment Industry’

It was almost dusk. While traveling on a train from Chennai, I sat next to a man who enthusiastically talked on the phone about his wife’s cooking channel on YouTube, urging his friends to watch it and click the ‘like’ button. The conversation revolved around nothing else. It struck me then how significantly our mindset has shifted. Today, in every household, there is a star. We are more interested in building our own fan base than in becoming fans of someone else’s work.
I recently attended a movie premiere where several social media influencers had been invited. Surprisingly, most of them spent their time casually scrolling through their phones, watching videos, rather than immersing themselves in the film. These were the very people who would later promote it. This casual indifference reflects a larger reality. Movies and television, that once required patience and emotional engagement, now struggle to hold people’s attention because everything today is designed as a 40-second package. Social media, once a casual space for browsing and staying connected with friends, has transformed into a digital black hole, consuming our time, attention, and altering our experience of entertainment.
The addiction is real, and I have experienced it firsthand. I find myself mindlessly scrolling on Instagram for hours, only to delete the app in frustration, believing I’ve finally broken the cycle. But within no time, I reinstall it and fall back into the same habit. This endless loop is not just affecting my productivity but also my ability to focus on tasks for long periods. Watching a full-length film now feels more like an act of discipline rather than entertainment.
Instagram and YouTube have taken over entertainment so completely that they are slowly reshaping how we engage with storytelling. The joy of appreciating a well-crafted film or beautifully written book is gradually being replaced by personal validation. Everyone wants to be an influencer or a trendsetter, and consequently, we’ve become a society obsessed with self-promotion rather than genuine admiration for artistic talent. If a video doesn’t grab our attention within the first few seconds, we quickly swipe away and forget it.
Constant exposure to fast-paced content is making deep thinking and patience rare qualities. Endless scrolling through Instagram or YouTube gives the illusion of productivity when, in reality, it only contributes to mental fatigue. The continuous stream of information, comparisons, and distractions leads to heightened anxiety, stress, and even depression. Physically, the effects are equally damaging. Hours of screen time contribute to obesity, eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and a sedentary lifestyle that is rapidly becoming the norm.
Beyond personal well-being, social media is reshaping the very fabric of the entertainment industry. The emphasis has shifted from genuine storytelling to content created purely for clicks and quick engagement. Sensationalism has replaced authenticity, with creators chasing shock value and controversy rather than substance. Digital influencers, often with no real artistic background, gain massive followings simply by riding trends, while talented filmmakers, musicians, and authors struggle for recognition. Movies and television shows that once had cultural significance are now overshadowed by viral clips and meme-worthy moments. The traditional entertainment industry finds itself forced to compete with the immediacy of social media, often losing the battle.
Where is all this leading us? There’s no such thing as ‘personal space’ anymore. Everyday activities like waking up, brushing teeth, or preparing breakfast have found their way into influencer vlogs. Family disputes and household dramas are filmed and edited like scripted serials, competing for online popularity. It’s exhausting.
We must limit the influence of social media before it completely overtakes our lives. Digital detox measures should be encouraged, and people need to understand the consequences of excessive social media use on their mental and physical health. Governments and tech companies should take responsibility for platform design, ensuring they don’t promote addictive behaviours. Traditional entertainment should be actively supported, allowing us to rediscover the joy of storytelling through movies, books, and music.
The question isn’t just about what social media is doing to entertainment; it’s about what it’s doing to us as individuals. Instead of thriving on superficial entertainment, YouTube and Instagram should prioritise content that educates, inspires, and uplifts. Content that promotes knowledge, self-improvement, and meaningful discussions should be encouraged, while entertainment-driven distractions should be regulated more stringently.
It’s time we rethink our relationship with digital platforms. Completely detaching ourselves might be impossible, but managing our digital consumption and demanding more meaningful content will lead us toward a healthier, more balanced future.