(Literary values diminish in the race for momentary popularity)
So-called poets are promoting a presentation primarily focused on attraction, using superficial or artificial lines as a guise of literature. While poetry should be a genuine expression of emotions, it is often reduced to a mere means of attracting attention. This not only compromises the credibility of poetry, but also marginalizes serious and meaningful literary endeavors. When presenting a serious subject like literature, a balance and decency are required. Unfortunately, this balance is often lost in the pursuit of mere attention, compromising the seriousness of the literature.
The digital age has given unprecedented speed and breadth to forms of expression. Today, every person has a platform at their fingertips—a platform where they can instantly reach millions. This democratization is a significant achievement in itself. But with every power comes a responsibility. Unfortunately, this balance of responsibility often seems to be disturbed, especially when the objective becomes popularity rather than expression.
Reel culture is a prime example of this imbalance. The race to create impact in a few seconds of video has made expression quick, concise, and often superficial. Literature, which fundamentally demands patience, depth, and contemplation, is finding itself at odds in this culture of instant consumption. Incomplete lines, out-of-context quotes, and artificial expressions—all of these are turning literature into a “product” whose sole purpose is to attract attention.
Today, “going viral” has become the yardstick for success. This mindset has affected the creative process. Writers now write based on whether their content will immediately resonate with people, rather than whether the idea is meaningful to society. As a result, flashiness has replaced depth, and performance has replaced empathy. This trend is not only unfair to literature but also impacts the intellectual level of society.
The primary purpose of literature is not merely entertainment. It is a mirror of society, reflecting its realities and exposing its contradictions. Kabir attacked social evils through his couplets, Tulsidas conveyed the message of faith and dignity, Premchand exposed the reality of society, and Mahadevi Verma gave words to the subtleties of emotion. The works of all these authors have stood the test of time because they possessed depth, honesty, and social commitment.
In contrast, a large segment of society today views literature as merely a medium of presentation. Performance is increasingly prioritized over the beauty of the words. Poems presented on Reels are often neither original nor deeply meaningful. They are created solely to captivate viewers for a moment and prompt a “like” or “share.”
Another worrying aspect of reel culture is the decline in decency of expression. The quality of language, clarity of diction, and dignity of presentation—all these elements are crucial components of any literary expression. But when these are ignored, the form of the literature becomes distorted. Sometimes, the situation is so severe that the essence of the original work is completely altered.
The debate over costumes and visual presentation has also intensified. It must be acknowledged that freedom of expression is a right of every individual, but every right comes with dignity and responsibility. When presenting a serious subject like literature, a balance and decency are required. Unfortunately, this balance is often lost in the mere attempt to grab the audience’s attention, compromising the seriousness of the literature.
However, it’s equally important not to view this situation from a simplistic perspective. Social media has provided a platform for many talented creators who previously couldn’t access the traditional publishing system. Today, even people from small towns and villages are sharing their work and gaining recognition. This is a positive change that cannot be denied.
In fact, the problem isn’t the medium itself, but rather its use. Reels can also be an effective medium if used to present meaningful literature. Some creators are doing a good job in this direction—they maintain depth while remaining brevity and forcing viewers to think. This shows that, with the right intentions, any medium can become a powerful tool for disseminating literature.
What’s needed is a balanced approach. We should neither dismiss reel culture completely nor accept it uncritically. Instead, we need to understand how this medium can be used to enhance literature.
The role of educational institutions is crucial in this context. If students are made aware of the depth of literature and its social role from an early age, they will not be influenced by merely superficial content. Literary organizations and forums should also use digital media to promote quality content and provide creative guidance.
Additionally, the role of audiences and readers is no less important. As long as audiences continue to encourage superficial content, it will continue to be produced. If they prioritize quality and depth, creators will naturally strive in that direction as well.
Ultimately, it is a collective responsibility—of creators, audiences, educators, and every conscious individual in society. We must decide whether we want to sacrifice literature for fleeting popularity or preserve it with its dignity and depth.
Reel culture can’t be stopped, but it can be channeled. If we remain vigilant and maintain balance, this medium can also become an effective means of disseminating literature.
Literature isn’t just a collection of words; it’s a reflection of society’s consciousness, its sensibilities, and its values. If this reflection becomes blurred, society’s thinking will also become blurred. Therefore, it’s time to be vigilant, to recognize the dignity of literature, and to promote it with the respect it deserves, even in the digital age.
