Where the COVID pandemic-induced lockdown has forced people to practice social distancing, Sumeet & Archana Bhobe, owners of Snip Salons & Spas, speak about embracing social media, staying connected and positivity
It is true, that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made it obligatory for one and all to confine themselves to the four walls of their homes and follow quarantine norms. Nonetheless, in such times, where one is bound to be overcome by lethargy and boredom, the ever so accessible social media platforms and its usage has worked like a blessing in disguise when it comes to keeping in touch with family and friends across the globe, sharing memorable images of good times, posting recipes of one’s favourite dishes and basically, passing one’s time! Moreover, research studies conducted during the lockdown has proved that the use of social media platforms during these times has surged, where the average amount of time spent on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media apps has elevated over 60%!
Speaking about the role that social media plays in their lives, Sumeet says “social media sadly, plays a very small role in my life. When Facebook was in all rage, like everyone else, I would also post what I have eaten, where I hang out
and what I have acquired, on a regular basis. However, at one point, the pressure to post started mounting to an extent that I withdrew from the site, thus deleting the app! However, when I recently browsed through my Facebook feed, I realized how toxic Facebook has become. It is full of nasty fights and arguments over trivial issues, mostly politics and I am glad that I am not a slave to this poison-ivy circus!” while Archana says “I primarily use Facebook
for information on my areas of interest, more specifically groups dedicated to dogs, fashion and art. I like to browse Instagram for a couple of hours because it’s a more sophisticated platform and is focused on visuals. Also, it’s like an online magazine for me, customized according to my personal taste.”
Sumeet further says that having access to social media has, in some little way, helped him pass his time during the lockdown as he tends to be bored easily as a result of which he switches between social media (mostly Instagram) to reading books to watching movies to writing once in a while. Commenting upon the social media apps that they have been personally using, Sumeet says “I joined Instagram in 2016 and I like this platform very much as it is focused on sharing positive imagery rather than engaging in unnecessary rants and baseless arguments. Like everyone else, I too have posted a few pictures on Instagram that are candid snapshots of my life. Surprisingly, I also recently discovered a video sharing app, thanks to my wife Archana in March this year and although I was a very reluctant participant in her videos, I quickly got a hang of the game and then created my own account and started creating my own content.” When asked about the kind of response they have received for their content from their viewers for their funny videos, Sumeet and Archana quip, “Well, by going by the number of likes and comments, many people seem to find our videos very entertaining. We think it is the irreverence and lightheartedness of the content we create, that appeals to our viewers. If we don’t post for a few days we’d get many messages to upload new content. Honestly, we are quite amused with all the positive feedback.”
Ever since the lockdown, Sumeet and Archana have found social media platforms to be of massive significance, especially when it comes to tackling their boredom and passing their time fruitfully while engaging in the creation of rib-tickling content and allowing their viewers and followers a laugh or two! Finally, speaking about the suggestions they would like to give their viewers and people in general so as to using social media during these lockdown times, they say, ”Get in touch with your creative side. Paint, cook, write, read or do anything that stimulates the right side of your brain! Just sit back and enjoy the new ‘normal’. The planet is taking a break and so should you!”
