How do you think influencers help politicians/political parties?
Social media influencers are filling the gap created by TV news channels. Political parties want to tap the young audience who don’t watch TV news.
Do political parties want to work with you? Has anyone approached you to create content for them?
I have been approached by political parties. I won’t name them but I have declined to work with them. If I had been working like those influencers, I, too, would have been invited to the creator awards.
When asked about influencers, the Congress cites ‘big guys’ like you sharing Rahul Gandhi’s video (reply on Narendra Modi’s tempo remark on Adani, Ambani issue). Is there any association with the party? AAP also shares your videos on their social media platforms. Do you think both parties are trying to appropriate you or your content in online election campaigning?
I share and post videos voluntarily; nobody asks me to do anything. I have no association with the Congress or any other party. Many fan pages, unofficial accounts, and even official political party accounts share my videos. As long as they don’t mislead viewers by distorting my videos or infringing upon my rights, I don’t have a problem with that. BJP leaders have also shared my old videos when it suits their agenda. For example an Instagram post by Kiren Rijiju sharing an old video on Congress and corruption.
How do you balance between your political inclination and your work on social media?
I do have my political inclinations, but I choose to share or engage with posts by parties that I find somewhat adhering to principles like rationalism and liberty.
How different or similar are collaborations of social media influencers and political parties from collaborations with brands? What is your general overview of social media influencers and their collaboration with political parties and politicians? Do you think it is right for them to work with political parties?
Social media influencers don’t realise that political parties are not branded products to promote. Influencers should not be completely advertising platforms. I don’t find it ethical for influencers to take money from political parties.
Do you think this kind of online canvassing will become more aggressive in the times to come?
Yes, as more and more people use social media and get access to the Internet.
What standards do you follow for yourself when choosing topics for videos, especially political, and working with brands?
I choose political topics to educate people as I feel democracy is in danger in India. The political content I create, I feel people should be made aware of what is going on in the country. I choose to work with brands carefully so that I am not promoting anything harmful.
Will you be willing to professionally collaborate with political parties you do not believe in?
I won’t be willing to collaborate with political parties I don’t believe in.
What kind of responsibilities do influencers have when it comes to shaping opinions online?
In short, many responsibilities such as authenticity (they should remain true to themselves), transparency, accuracy (share accurate, factual information and promote scientific temper and rationalism among people), and sensitivity (being careful of promoting anything that might be discriminatory to a certain group of people and should be respectful towards all individuals and groups).
