Defining the Modern Social Media Influencer: The Cornerstone of Authenticity
Both Dr. Shanika and Shanelle de Almeida strongly emphasize the paramount importance of authenticity in defining a true influencer. For Shanelle de Almeida, authenticity is “the key word,” as it becomes challenging to take someone seriously if they don’t represent their genuine beliefs. She believes that a real influencer strives to be as genuine as possible, especially considering social media’s reputation for sometimes lacking reality. Living by one’s values through social media is crucial for establishing a meaningful connection with an audience.
Dr. Shanika echoes this sentiment, highlighting that an authentic influencer has their own unique character and refrains from imitating others. She expresses her disapproval of individuals who promote unethical or harmful content. For her, an influencer is someone with a real and authentic personality. This emphasis on genuine self-representation is not just a matter of personal integrity but also a foundational element for building a credible and engaged online presence. As Dr. Shanika aptly puts it, “everybody else is taken,” underscoring the necessity of embracing one’s unique qualities.
Shanelle de Almeida further points out the importance of recognizing the different types of influencers. She suggests that professionals like doctors and psychologists have a distinct responsibility in their online presence compared to lifestyle influencers or makeup artists. The content shared by professionals often deals with more sensitive topics, requiring a different approach to maintain credibility and trust. The specific niche an influencer occupies plays a significant role in how they connect with their audience.
Social Media as an Educational Tool: Sharing Expertise and Building Awareness
The conversation highlights the powerful potential of social media as an educational tool. Dr. Shanika shares her personal experience of using Instagram to educate people about cosmetic medicine. Initially, she faced the challenge of explaining her profession, and social media became instrumental in bridging this knowledge gap. By authentically sharing information and standing by her beliefs, she has built a strong and engaged following. Her approach emphasizes transparency; she only promotes what she genuinely believes in. This authentic educational approach has been pivotal in her professional growth.
Similarly, Shanelle de Almeida emphasizes the role of social media in raising awareness about mental health. She highlights her positive experience working with kalyana.org, a mental health non-profit that effectively reaches the Gen Z audience with creative and open-minded programs covering various aspects of mental well-being, including LGBTQ+ rights and couples therapy. For Shanelle de Almeida, representing mental health initiatives aligns perfectly with her professional values. The ability to educate and connect with audiences on important topics underscores the significant impact that professional influencers can have.
Balancing the Online and Offline Worlds: Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Well-being
Both speakers stress the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between their online and offline lives. Dr. Shanika explicitly states that she doesn’t define her personal value by the number of likes on her photos. She is mindful of what she shares publicly, choosing not to post very private moments or when she is upset. While she uses social media extensively for work and to connect with her audience, she prioritizes her personal life. This careful curation reflects a conscious effort to prevent social media from overtaking her personal and professional spheres.
Shanelle de Almeida echoes this sentiment, indicating that while she actively uses social media in her professional capacity, she tries not to let it dominate her life. This mindful approach to social media usage is crucial for maintaining personal well-being in an increasingly digital world. The ability to set boundaries and recognize that online metrics do not equate to personal worth is a vital lesson for both influencers and their followers.
Authenticity in Practice: Embracing Individuality and Realness
The discussion delves into practical aspects of authenticity. Dr. Shanika mentions that she doesn’t overly strategize her personal posts, often sharing moments from her life, like fun nights out, because people appreciate seeing the person behind the profession. This willingness to show a more casual side helps in building genuine connections with the audience. Similarly, Shanelle de Almeida shares that she simply goes with the flow and posts when she’s having a good time.
The hosts also touch upon how they engage with other online content. Dr. Shanika mentions following accounts that provide motivation, religious support, or simply beautiful aesthetics, like “the wandering unicorns”. For Shanelle de Almeida, her engagement often revolves around relaxation and entertainment, such as watching dog and cat videos. This highlights the diverse ways individuals interact with social media, even those who are active creators themselves. The key takeaway is that being real and not faking it is central to authenticity.
Strategies for Increasing Instagram Engagement: The Power of Genuine Connection
When discussing increasing Instagram engagement, Dr. Shanika reiterates that authenticity is the fundamental starting point. Trying to imitate others will only result in becoming a second-rate copy. She emphasizes the importance of being oneself, embracing unique characteristics, whether perceived as “boring or fun”. Building a genuine following stems from communicating honestly and directly, without excessive overthinking.
Dr. Shanika stresses the significance of aligning one’s beliefs, words, actions, and online presence. Hypocrisy can quickly erode trust and engagement. She embraces her love for “glam, glitz, [and] loud colors,” refusing to conform to fleeting trends that don’t resonate with her personal style. Shanelle de Almeida relates to this in the opposite sense, favoring neutral colors, highlighting the importance of representing one’s true self, regardless of societal pressures.
Furthermore, understanding audience analytics is crucial for optimizing engagement. Instagram provides insights into when followers are most active, allowing creators to schedule posts strategically. Paying attention to follower demographics and engagement patterns can also inform content creation. However, both agree that the element of fun should not be lost in the pursuit of engagement.
The Use of Filters and Visual Presentation: Expression and Context
The conversation touches on the use of filters and visual presentation. Dr. Shanika believes in the freedom of expressing oneself through filters, whether it’s for enhancing features like colored lenses or simply for artistic enjoyment. She argues that social media is a platform for performance and art, and filters can be a part of that expression. Shanelle de Almeida also mentions using lighting enhancing apps like Camera 360, particularly for nighttime photos, emphasizing that context matters when it comes to using such tools. While natural lighting is preferred, especially during the day, filters can be a way to enhance visuals and express creativity. The key is to recognize filters as a form of personal expression rather than a tool for deception.
Social Media for a Cause: Leveraging Platforms for Positive Impact
Both Dr. Shanika and Shanelle de Almeida actively use their platforms to support charitable causes. Shanelle de Almeida‘s work with kalyana.org exemplifies using her expertise to promote mental health awareness. Dr. Shanika is vocal about her support for the Indira Cancer Trust, particularly the mastectomy bra campaign, aiming to boost the confidence and quality of life for women who have undergone mastectomies. Additionally, she personally contributes to a church-based organization supporting families facing financial crises and renovates schools through the Crystal Foundation, honoring her father’s dream of education. Their commitment showcases the potential of social media to amplify important messages and contribute to meaningful causes.
Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity in the Digital Age
The insightful conversation between Dr. Shanika Arsecularatne and Shanelle de Almeida underscores the critical role of authenticity in navigating the dynamic world of social media. Being true to oneself, understanding the responsibility that comes with influence, and maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life are essential for both creators and consumers. Social media can be a powerful tool for education, connection, and positive impact, but its effectiveness hinges on the genuineness and integrity of its users. As we continue to evolve in the hashtag generation, the principles of authenticity and mindful engagement remain timeless and crucial for fostering a more meaningful and trustworthy digital landscape.