Let’s examine the 90-10 principle of eternal life. This concept suggests that ten percent of the wealthy dominate the remaining ninety percent of people. In the film industry, ninety percent of actors struggle, while only ten percent find success. Similarly, ten percent of politicians exert control over ninety percent of the populace. In the realm of social media, ninety percent of account holders do not produce original content, whereas only ten percent actively create it. Furthermore, only ten percent of social media users attract substantial followings compared to the rest. Given these statistics, why do the ninety percent with minimal or no followers continue to maintain their accounts?
While all aspire to create, not everyone possesses the ability to produce engaging content or draw the attention of others. Additionally, maintaining an account allows the weak to wield a power over those who are more established, creating a unique dynamic where the perceived weak can still assert their presence.
Before the advent of the internet, people primarily received news and information through television, radio, newspapers, and informal gossip. If someone held an opinion contrary to the dominant narrative, they often had no choice but to accept it. Many avoided engaging with those who held opposing views or refrained from debating the majority. Strong rebels sought alternative outlets by writing books, becoming orators, or aligning with like-minded individuals. But what happened to the weaker voices? They often accepted the prevailing narrative and shut themselves up.
Today there is no need to shut up, instead anyone can vent their feelings online and feel great about their existence in the otherwise pathetic life.
There’s a difference between how people behave in physical proximity and how they act when hidden behind a screen, often without a face. Ninety percent of the abusive comments made online would never be expressed in real life. For instance, a fan who hated actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, or Manoj Kumar would probably never confront them directly. In contrast, today’s stars like SRK, Salman Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan can be criticized from the comfort of one’s home or even while sitting under a tree. But what is the real reason?
The major difference between real life and online life combats are – in real life the strong one wins, and in online life the weak ones win. And that is the whole power game that has led to ‘trolling’ becoming a big hit on the internet.
A strong person hits the gym, stays healthy, makes money, eats good food, wears expensive clothes, gets fame, provides employment, drives fancy cars and a weak man just walks in and spits on him without any consequences. That is exactly the power a weak person holds on the social media. It is something of immense narcissistic value and hence social media will remain successful forever catering mostly to that 90 per cent weaklings, while the stronger ones are busy making money and living a life of luxury.