Category: Lifestyle

Dharna D – Comic Creator of the Month

  • Ex: How did you get started in content creation?

Dharna: So basically, I have done theatre in college, but when the lockdown happened, I thought, what to do? During that time, I used to make fun videos and I just used to share it with my friends very randomly, not at all with the intention of posting it somewhere. Then, one day, my friend told me, why don’t you post it on Instagram, it’s very funny. This is how I randomly posted my first ever IGTV video on Instagram, and this is how I entered my content creation.

  • Ex: What sort of reaction were you expecting when you first started posting online? 

Dharna: When I posted my first video, I wasn’t expecting anything. The only thing I wished for was to make my then-followers happy with my content. I wasn’t worried about the reach, likes or comments.

  • Ex: How do you go about writing your skits?

Dharna: I like to write in a subtle manner as I believe that skits should be something that happens in daily surroundings and something that I observe in my life. Also, I keep my focus on the mass audience and prefer to make relatable content.

  • Ex: What’s the inspiration behind your relatable humour and skits?

Dharna: I come from a Punjabi family, and I like to spend a lot of time with my family and relatives. The base of my humour comes from there, be it picking characters or writing skits with relatable humour.

  • Ex: How did it feel to expand your career? 

Dharna: Expanding my career in content creation was the best decision I’ve ever made. I believe in the saying, ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.’ Since I’ve entered the world of content creation, I haven’t felt tired because that’s what I love.

  • Ex: What did you want to become when you were a kid?

Dharna: When I was a kid, for one day, I wanted to become something, while on the other day, I wanted to become something else. As a kid, like every other kid, I was confused about what I really wanted to become, but I think thats fine as exploring is a part of life.

Quick bytes:

  • One must-have app on your phone besides WhatsApp? 

YouTube

  • iOS or Android?

iOS

  • Cats or dogs?

Dogs

  • Texting or calling? 

Calling

Saloni Gaur – Comic Creator of the Month

  • Exhibit: How did you get started in content creation?

Saloni: I started creating content when I was in college. I had plenty of time and very little to study. I mean exactly like how a college student behaves. I was doing the exact same. I was really into stand-up comedy. I used to perform at a college fest, but then it used to get over. At that time, there were very few creators back then. So I thought, why not try this? So I thought, let’s give it a try to pass my time, and eventually, it picked up.

  • Ex: What sort of reaction were you expecting when you first started posting online? 

Saloni: When I first uploaded a video, I was obviously expecting a huge reaction from the public, but then I remembered that my account was private. So all the views that came on my video were from my friends and family who used to follow me, and it didn’t bother me at all. I mean, I was doing it for myself and just to make my friends and family happy. I loved making them laugh. It was my favourite thing to do. 

  • Ex: How do you go about writing your skits? 

Saloni: Writing is something that takes most of my time in my work. I mean, it usually takes one or two hours to shoot it, but it definitely takes up to three to four hours to write something. It depends on the script and how I go about it. I mean, if I am doing a character who is mimicking someone, then it takes probably an hour to write something because most of the work is done by them, the character that I’m mimicking. I mean, they set the premise, and I just have to add the punchline. However, if I am doing a character of my own, it usually takes up to two to three hours to write something. You have to get into the skin of that character, and you have to think like them according to their mindset. All my characters are inspired by someone or another, as I have not taken up any course on how I should write. Writing funny skits comes to me naturally, and sometimes when I am stuck, I feel like I have the most funny people I have ever met.

  • Ex: What’s the inspiration behind your relatable humour and skits?

Saloni: As I said earlier, it’s definitely my family. Obviously, the laughter challenge was one comedy show that I watched for the first time, but it was definitely my family and their humour. I mean, my grandmother is very funny. You have to be around her to understand her humour. She’s very straightforward and sarcastic, but it’s in a way that you will never feel bad about it. My father has a dramatic humour, while my mother has a very self-deprecating humour. So, these are the basic examples of my inspiration. 

  • Ex: How did it feel to expand your career?

Saloni: Expanding my career felt great. Who doesn’t want to earn money and get famous? Some people don’t, but I always wanted to. When I was in school, I used to say that one day, I’d become a famous personality. I don’t know how, but I was sure one day I’d be. And when it happened, it felt great.

  • Ex: Who are some of your favourite comedians? 

Saloni: Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr, Zakir Khan, and Ali Wong.

Quick bytes:

  • One must-have app on your phone besides WhatsApp? 

Instagram.

  • iOS or Android?

Both.

  • Cats or dogs? 

Dogs.

  • What’s a surprising fact about yourself?

Sometimes, I’m socially awkward.

  • Texting or calling? 

Texting.

Meme-orable Winks – 7 Movie Characters That Broke the Internet

With the rise of social media, memes have become an integral part of daily life for young people. Cinema is the most popular medium for making memes, while memes are the easiest way to reach a broad audience. They have the power to make your content go viral, with just one share being enough to change the game. Despite their mixed reputation, memes are undeniably effective in capturing people’s attention. Over the years, many popular meme characters have come and gone, but some remain as popular as ever. Let’s look at some of the most loved characters in the meme world and have a good laugh.

Calvin Candie (Django Unchained)

Tarantino’s Django Unchained is packed with thrilling gunfights and memorable dialogues with breakout performances from the actors that starred in the film, but the one that stayed with us for a long time was Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Calvin Candie which blends pure malice with the genteel manners of a southern aristocrat.

Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)

Christian Bale ignites the screen in American Psycho with a volatile brilliance, channelling the unhinged psyche of Patrick Bateman. His performance crackles with barely contained homicidal fervour, imprinting Bateman’s twisted persona onto the collective consciousness. Bateman’s peculiar brand of madness finds resonance in the world of memes, especially his “ooh” face.

 

Rick Dalton (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)

Rick Dalton, a character from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, portrayed by the illustrious Leonardo DiCaprio, captures our attention in a whimsical moment. With a sudden burst of energy, he points fervently at the TV screen, heralding his upcoming scene. This scene, ripe with comedic charm, became the perfect fodder for internet culture as users seized upon it to craft humorous memes encapsulating shared moments of recognition and amusement.

 

Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)

As Jay Gatsby graces the screen for the first time in “The Great Gatsby” movie, fireworks illuminate the sky, while Gatsby, with a mischievous grin, raises a glass in a toast. Leonardo DiCaprio’s charismatic portrayal transforms this outrageous scene into a viral sensation, sparking online celebrations across the globe.

 

Mr Incredible (The Incredibles)

Pixar’s masterpiece, The Incredibles, stands as both a poignant deconstruction of superhero sagas and an enchanting family adventure. A timeless classic, it remains unmatched by its sequel a decade later. At its heart lies the magnetic presence of Bob Parr, alias Mr. Incredible, whose down-to-earth charisma captivates audiences.

Memes abound, celebrating his quintessential “dad energy,” immortalising iconic lines like “Math is math!” Yet, a new trend emerges, depicting Mr. Incredible with startling realism and depth. These memes, proliferating across the internet, serve as a vehicle to differentiate reactions such as “People Who Don’t Know vs. People Who Know.”

 

Raju (Hera Pheri Franchise)

Played by the actor Akshay Kumar, Raju’s antics and quirky expressions have inspired countless memes. His hilarious dialogues and memorable scenes have found a permanent place in internet humour, transcending the boundaries of cinema. Raju’s comedic timing and endearing persona have cemented his status as a timeless meme legend, beloved by netizens worldwide.

 

Uday Shetty (Welcome)

Uday Shetty, the boisterous and unforgettable character from the comedy film “Welcome,” has left an indelible mark on meme culture. Played with infectious energy by actor Nana Patekar, Uday’s eccentric mannerisms and quotable lines have sparked a wave of internet humour. His larger-than-life persona continues to inspire laughter and creativity, making him a cherished icon in online comedy.

5 OTT Releases You Can’t Miss This Week

It’s a miracle that we just started April and there are already a few amazing releases to binge. This week, from 1st to 7th April, has a diverse range of movies and TV series to choose from. Add these to your next watchlist!

Parasyte: The Grey (5 April 2024) 

Based on the sci-fi horror manga, Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki, Parasyte: The Grey is a South Korean live-action adaptation that strays away from the main plot of the manga. Long-time fans of the original manga might hesitate to watch the series. However, South Korean entertainment has a stronghold in the horror genre, especially when it comes to depicting supernatural monsters. Parasyte: The Grey is directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who previously created the famous zombie horror Train to Busan (2016). His style and writing have the creative potential to do Parasyte justice. 

Coming soon on Netflix! 

 

Ripley (4 April 2024) 

Ripley is a crime psychological thriller designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Starring Andrew Scott as the titular character, this series is based on Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955). This will be a short and sweet 8-episode series about Tom Ripley (Scott) stepping into a life of deception, fraud and murder. 

Coming soon on Netflix! 

 

Farrey (5 April 2024) 

Initially released for theatre on 24 November 2023, Farrey is a thriller-heist film by Soumendra Padhi. This film is the official Indian remake of the Thai movie, Bad Genius (2017). Alizeh Agnihotri is stunning in her role, starring as the main character – Niyati. Some viewers have described the vibe as straight-up horror rather than a thriller so buckle in!

Finally releasing soon on Zee5!

 

How to Date Billy Walsh (5 April 2024) 

How To Date Billy Walsh is a fluffy British romantic-comedy, directed by Alex Pillai. It revolved around the childhood best friends, Amelia (Charithra Chandran) and Archie (Sebastian Croft), the latter of whom has a crush on her. When he plans to confess, Amelia falls for Billy Walsh (Tanner Buchanan). Archie plans to sabotage this new love but ends up comedically bringing them closer. If you want something light to watch, How to Date Billy Walsh is perfect. 

Coming soon on Amazon Prime Video! 

 

Star Trek: Discovery – Season 5 (4 April 2024) 

Originally piloted in 2017, Star Trek: Discovery is still going strong. This series follows the crew of USS Discovery, their journey beginning a decade before the events of the original Star Trek. You witness the fall and eventually rise of Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, and her crew. Season 5 sets a more adventurous tone with their goal of finding an ancient power but they aren’t the only ones. Star Trek: Discovery is a great start to your Star Trek journey!

Back soon on Amazon Prime Video! 

The Origin of April Fool’s Day

Every year on April 1st, pranksters emerge from the shadows, ready to unleash their mischief upon unsuspecting victims. But have you ever wondered why this day is designated for such shenanigans? Well, if you don’t know, come along with us as we’re about to unveil the quirky history of April Fool’s Day.

Legend has it that April Fool’s Day originated in France in the late 16th century. Before the advent of smartphones and social media, news travelled at a snail’s pace. In those days, New Year’s Day fell on March 25th, and celebrations lasted until April 1st. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, shifting New Year’s Day to January 1st.

Now, imagine you’re living in 16th-century France, blissfully unaware of this calendar change. You’d be celebrating New Year’s in late March and early April, right? Well, that’s where the fun begins. Those who were slow to adapt or simply ignorant of the new calendar were mocked and ridiculed by their more informed counterparts. These clueless celebrants became the butt of jokes and hoaxes, earning them the title of “April Fools.”

But France wasn’t the only country to embrace this tradition of tomfoolery. In Scotland, they took it up a notch with the concept of “hunting the gowk” (gowk being Scottish for cuckoo bird, synonymous with fool). This involved sending people on fake errands or prank-filled quests, often culminating in embarrassment or confusion for the unsuspecting victim. As April Fool’s Day spread across Europe, so too did the creativity of its pranks. In England, pranksters would stick paper fish to the backs of their friends as a symbol of gullibility. This tradition, known as “April fish,” continues to this day in some parts of Europe.

But why April 1st specifically? 

Some historians speculate that it’s linked to the vernal equinox, a time associated with the arrival of spring and renewal. Others suggest it’s simply because April kicks off the blooming season, making it the perfect time for a bit of playful mischief. Regardless of its origins, April Fool’s Day has evolved into a global phenomenon, with people from all walks of life eagerly anticipating the opportunity to pull off the ultimate prank. From fake lottery tickets to toothpaste-filled Oreos, creativity knows no bounds on this day of jest and laughter.

So, as April 1st rolls around each year, remember to approach everything with a healthy dose of scepticism. After all, you never know when you might become the unwitting star of someone’s elaborate prank. And if you do fall victim to a clever ruse, just embrace the spirit of the day and join in on the laughter. After all, it’s all good fun, right? So, here’s to the fools, the pranksters, and the jesters who keep the spirit of April Fool’s alive and kicking year after year.

 

These 5 Books Can Be Read in a Day

When you’re having an odd day off or just bored on vacation, nothing feels better than picking up a book. However, nowadays it’s quite hard to find shorter novels. These 5 books are made to immerse you and be finished within a day or two!

1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (107 pages)

Now, this might be a painful choice to recommend. Of Mice and Men (1937) might have a painful ending but teaches you about friendship and the importance of tough decisions. The loyalty between Lennie and George is amongst the best in the history of literature. Their journey is not easy as the story is set during the Great Depression. It’s also an open reminder of what people need to do during poverty. 


You can buy it on Amazon for ₹455.

2. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (348 pages) 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold (2015) is a mysterious novel that turns heartwarming. It bends the time-travelling genre with an interesting twist and mechanics. In a silent backstreet of Tokyo, a café serves coffee and a chance to travel back in time. However, there are strict rules and only one seat in particular that gives you this ability. You follow four customers and their stories. As the title suggests, you can only travel until the coffee turns cold. It makes you question what you would change in your past if it still had no consequences in your present. 


You can buy it on Amazon for ₹353.

3. The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose (336 pages)

The Maid: A Novel (2022) is catered to the murder mystery enthusiasts out there. This novel is also turning into a major motion picture with Florence Pugh as the main character, Molly Gray. Molly is a unique character whose job as a maid fulfils her need for proper etiquette and cleaning. One day, she finds a wealthy hotel guest is found dead in his messy room. Molly is pinned as the suspect but reuniting with her friends, they strive to solve the mystery before it’s too late. 

You can buy it on Amazon for ₹312.

4. Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates (154 pages)

Black Water (1992) is a chilling novel about a young girl whose bid to be more carefree has tragic consequences. Kelly Kelleher attends a Fourth of July party and meets “The Senator,” who is automatically attracted to her. Despite multiple warnings from her friends and him being old enough to be her dad, Kelly agrees to go back to his hotel room. The Senator, being too drunk to drive properly, swerves into a marsh. She is abandoned in the car and left to drown on her own as she realises she wants to live. The novel is based on the Chappaquiddick incident. 


You can buy it on Amazon for ₹746.

5. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (160 pages) 

If you loved Netflix’s famous horror TV show, The Haunting of Hill House (directed by Mike Flanagan), this book is for you. Written by the same author of the show’s inspiration, We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962) is an eerie novel about an isolated and strange family. Their dynamic gets thrown off when their cousin comes to visit. It’s a spine-chilling story of a deeply disturbed family and the narration by Merricat, the main character, highlights the twisted mindset. 

You can buy it on Amazon for ₹236.

Fashion Explained: Cosplay

With Mumbai Comic Con 2024 around the corner, this is the best time to explain one of the most diverse fashion types in the industry – Cosplay. What exactly does dressing up as your favourite character entail? Let’s dive deep into this fashion style. 

Cosplayer group at Comic Con Brussels 2016

What is Cosplay? 

Originating in Japan, cosplay, or costume play, is a performance art where the cosplayers (the term for people who perform this art) represent a certain fictional character. The attire is complete with accessories, make-up and props to get into full character, essentially role-playing in public. A subculture around cosplay and their cosplayers can even exist, famously for characters in Japanese anime. It is also an appreciation of fiction and puts respect to the best of character designs. 

History of Cosplay

While it grew popular and was coined in 1984 in Japan amongst all genders, the history of cosplaying goes further back. In the 15th century, all of us heard about masquerade balls but the purpose of it was to pretend. Essentially, cosplay is masquerading as someone else. Italy also hosted grand costume festivals during the Renaissance period, typically indulged by the Venician upper class. 

It then grew in 19th century Britain, where people held fancy costume parties for their amusement. In 1939, people began to create more futuristic costumes and then came Japan’s final hammer to the head. 

The first documented event of a fan meeting and cosplaying was recorded in Hakone, Japan in the 1970s. This is how anime cosplay became popular. Since then, costume contests have been on the rise in Asia and parts of the West. 

Anime Japan 2016 (Tokyo Big Sight). Odaiba, Tokyo.

How Does Cosplay Work? 

  • Cosplays can range from simple to high-quality, complex-themed costumes. As long as you enjoy the art, anything works in the world of cosplay. 
  • Despite being similar to Halloween costumes, the cosplayers usually get into character and also hold fan meetings with their audience. They have full communities supporting their art beyond the holiday of Halloween. 
  • You can get ready-made apparel of your favourite character from several manufacturers and online sites, along with wigs and other accessories. Japan themselves have made a profit of 35 billion yen. 
  • Many cosplayers hand-make their costumes, sourcing their materials from their own local or online manufacturers. Since many parts of any character’s costume can be too unique for a general market, cosplayers learn textile sculpting and other 3D art to create these objects. This highlights their dedication and creativity diving into the performance. 

For example, if a person would like to cosplay Roronoa Zoro from the anime ‘One Piece’, they could 3D print his swords if they are not available for purchase online.

Cosplayer (@0taisi) as Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
  • During contests, cosplayers are judged by their originality and their ability to truly act the part. Their body language and acting abilities are their main selling points, not just the costumes. 
  • Just like any other fashion type, you must be confident in your cosplay and expressing yourself with the apparel and accessories. While it can be daunting at first, cosplay is an art to be enjoyed and the community are open-minded to any form. 

 

Why You Should Consider Cosplaying? 

Are you a fan of movies and TV shows, especially fantasy and anime? If so, this is a great way to indulge in their fan base as well as meet more people through different conventions, particularly the upcoming Comic Con. There are many ready-made cosplays available online but it’s also fun to sew and create your costumes, sewing being a great hobby to pick up. More than that, looking exactly like one of your favourite fictional characters is a huge confidence booster. 

Say ‘Yes’ to these 5 practices to achieve true inner peace

Attaining inner peace is a common aspiration for many of us, but it can often seem like a difficult goal to achieve. However, we have discovered that embracing certain attitudes and actions can make a significant difference. It’s not about agreeing to everything that comes your way or being a pushover. Instead, it’s about saying “yes” to specific things that can help you find peace within yourself. So, let’s learn about the top five practices for attaining true inner peace.

Adopt Gratitude:

Adopting gratitude is the easiest way to unlock our true inner peace. Every morning, we should reflect on something we’re grateful for, no matter how small. Gratitude is more than saying “thank you.” It’s recognizing the good in our lives, which can significantly impact our well-being and peace of mind. By embracing gratitude, we can appreciate the present moment and find joy in everyday things. Say “yes” to practising gratitude and experiencing lasting inner peace.

Acknowledge Discomfort:

To find inner peace, it’s important to face discomfort rather than avoid it. Avoidance can lead to more distress in the long run. By embracing discomfort and confronting challenges, we can build resilience and cultivate inner peace. Acknowledge discomfort as a part of life and try saying “yes” to it instead of avoiding it.

Be Present:

Mindfulness is about staying present and engaged in the moment. It means focusing on what’s happening now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By saying “yes” to the present moment, we can say “no” to distractions. Mindfulness encourages us to experience the world through our senses. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth the effort. After all, the present moment is the only one that truly matters.

Accept Impermanence:

Life is a constant flow of change. Everything changes, and nothing is permanent. Accepting impermanence means letting go of our attachment to specific outcomes and learning to flow with life’s rhythm. Embracing impermanence leads to true inner peace and helps us appreciate each moment as temporary, memorable, and precious.

Embrace Compassion:

To achieve inner peace, we should embrace compassion. Recognize suffering in yourself and others and act to alleviate it. Treat yourself and others kindly, even in challenging situations. This shift replaces judgment with acceptance and opens your heart to empathy. Saying “yes” to compassion transforms relationships with others and yourself. So, what’s stopping you from saying it? Say “yes” to compassion and make a difference.

Become a Morning Person with These Lifestyle Changes

Several factors play into whether you’re a morning person or a night owl. Societal pressure to “not be lazy” affects the narrative around why and how you should be spending your days. It is important to maintain a good sleep schedule that caters to your needs and no one else’s. This means that everyone’s sleep cycle will be different, depending on factors beyond their control. Many people also get frustrated by their night owl tendencies and observe lower energy levels during the day. 

These lifestyle changes are the best ways to reverse and change your sleep schedule. It may seem like a morning routine needs to be maximised to match a famous entrepreneur but there are several ways in which you can discover what works for you. 

 

Set a melodic alarm

Research suggests keeping alarms that emanate sounds that you prefer – a rhythmic song you like or an instrumental natural sound – reduces sleep inertia. Sleep inertia is the grogginess you might experience when you initially wake up. The sound of your alarm can directly affect how you feel when you wake up. Thus, changing it to a sound that eases the process of waking might benefit your schedule. Getting accustomed to the same time with the same tune will help your body prepare. 

 

Let in natural light

The sun’s role in different aspects of our lives is highly underestimated. One of them is to naturally wake your body up into a state of alertness. Facing the natural light of the sun calibrates your internal clock into realising it’s time to be awake and more active. This can also help your body understand the difference in the evening and recognise when to sleep. The best way to maximise this is to take a walk or sit outside with your morning drink of choice. 

Eating a balanced breakfast 

One of the main reasons waking up at an appropriate time is so important to your body is breakfast. Breakfast should be a fulfilling meal rich in nutrients to get your body energised and ready. More than that, skipping breakfast is not recommended as it can be detrimental to your health. Have your drink of choice with breakfast, like coffee, tea or juice to savour your meal. 

Get moving 

Simple stretches in the morning will do the job. Exercising immediately after waking up isn’t the ideal way to start the day for many people but your body requires some stretches. This will help it get energised. However, physical activity can improve your cognitive abilities and blood flow. Many activities, like walking your pet or meditation, will suffice and give you some self-care time to begin the morning. Indulging in a self-care routine also heightens your mood. Try some of your favourite activities to start the day on a good note. 

Scheduling your day 

Writing down a list of personal and work or school-related objectives can help you keep track of everything. It can also create a sense of achievement and how productive you are. The activities also slip from your mind often and so having a schedule will remind you of the same. Prioritising certain tasks to ensure they are completed in time and also making time for breaks is the ideal balance. However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this task. Making your goals realistic and having a clear vision is the best way to go about it if you struggle with disorganisation. 

“Make each day your masterpiece.”

 — John Wooden, Head Coach of UCLA Bruins

The Memescape – Decoding the Impact of Memes on Mental Well-Being

The internet is a kingdom where memes reign supreme as the digital language of our time. Be it the iconic “Distracted Boyfriend” meme to the infamous “Woman Yelling at Cat,” these bite-sized pieces of humour and relatability have become ingrained in our online culture. However, beneath their seemingly innocent facade lies a complex web of psychological effects that can deeply impact our mental health.

At first glance, memes appear harmless, serving as a quick laugh or a momentary distraction from the chaos of everyday life. Yet, their influence goes far beyond a simple chuckle. Memes have the power to shape our perceptions, attitudes, and even our emotions, often in ways we may not fully comprehend.

One of the most significant psychological effects of memes is their ability to evoke emotions. Whether it’s humour, nostalgia, or even sadness, memes have a unique knack for eliciting visceral reactions from their viewers. This emotional response can be both a blessing and a curse for our mental well-being. While a well-timed meme can provide a much-needed dose of laughter, it can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression, especially when the content hits a little too hard.

Moreover, memes have a tendency to spread like wildfire across social media platforms, creating a sense of communal bonding among users. In a world where loneliness and isolation are rampant, this shared experience can foster a sense of belonging and connection. However, this sense of belonging can quickly turn toxic when memes are used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes or ideologies, leading to feelings of alienation or exclusion among certain groups.

Furthermore, the constant barrage of memes can contribute to information overload and cognitive fatigue, both of which can take a toll on our mental health. As we scroll through endless streams of content, our brains are forced to process an overwhelming amount of stimuli, leaving us feeling drained and overwhelmed. This phenomenon, known as “digital overload,” can impair our ability to focus, concentrate, and regulate our emotions, ultimately leading to increased stress and anxiety.

But perhaps the most insidious aspect of memes is their potential to distort reality and perpetuate harmful narratives. With the rise of deepfakes and manipulated images, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction in the digital realm. This blurring of the lines between truth and falsehood can have profound implications for our mental health, eroding our trust in others and undermining our sense of reality.

So, what can we do to mitigate the psychological effects of memes on our mental health? Firstly, we must approach memes with a critical eye, questioning the underlying messages and assumptions they convey. By cultivating media literacy skills, we can become more discerning consumers of online content and protect ourselves from falling prey to misinformation or harmful stereotypes.

Additionally, we must prioritise self-care and set boundaries around our digital consumption habits. This means taking regular breaks from social media, engaging in offline activities that bring us joy, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals when needed. By taking proactive steps to safeguard our mental well-being, we can navigate the digital landscape with greater resilience and self-awareness.

While memes may seem like harmless fun on the surface, their psychological impact runs deep. From evoking emotions to shaping our perceptions of reality, memes have the power to influence our mental health in profound ways. By approaching memes with a critical mindset and prioritising self-care, we can harness the positive aspects of meme culture while mitigating the potential risks to our well-being. After all, in the age of information overload, it’s more important than ever to guard our minds against the unseen dangers lurking behind every viral image or trending hashtag.

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