Exploring how superficial distractions overshadow meaningful life pursuits and the importance of reclaiming genuine fulfillment
By Humaira Jan
Entertainment, the most important element in one’s life, whether believed or not, has been there from the very beginning, unnoticed, as it was not as effortless as it is today. Back then, people had no idea of it, but they possessed it in the right way: they played outside with others, wandered around, conversed, and did group work. Then radios and televisions arrived and became additional parts of life. By 2015, the world took a turn to the other dark side, but not swiftly, so it went unnoticed again. By 2020, platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram flourished, and people’s minds began to eliminate petty things from their operating systems. They sought easy, effortless, bright things and accepted them as sustenance. Books—the exalted sources of learning—remained, but now people are vividly immersed in shallow entertainment and covet it. It has already taken over 24 hours of human life or hours of hard work. People are now surviving on this or yearning to live for it.
They have lost their personal journey in terms of battling, money, dignity, and academia, and have become despairing and aghast at adversity, so they embraced perpetual and superficial entertainment. It has become their bread and butter, and they just want to adore it without doing anything meaningful in their lives. People involved in entertainment companies themselves rarely watch dramas, movies, or listen to songs, though they work in the industry; they earn capital and dignity from it and enjoy a balanced and comfortable life without being consumed by it. It is not because they are wealthy or have a source of income, but because of their work and career. They exercise, do skin care and health care, enjoy tours, while others degrade the very first for the same by constantly watching these things.
In addition, a concerning issue is the future of the people, which appears fractured, and its stench is felt—reassuring that people are romanticising perpetual entertainment without looking back at their careers; their academic focus is stifled, while intellectual pursuits diminish continuously. It is because people appear composed; ironically, they are stoic, with apathy prevailing among the population for a diligent life. Since people have become addicted or are in the process of becoming so, their reconsideration is met with industrious notions. It inclines toward unease and impossibility.
Entertainment was fostered to isolate people from monotonous routines; however, it has transformed into the very thing that leaves people feeling unfulfilled or discontented. They do it out of obsession and loneliness. The relatable content facilitates ease in their foolishness, silently compelling them. When people are in their amorphous stage and require high motivation and diligence, they become enchanted by solace, and thus, they also become belligerent. The repercussions are not subtle when they prevail intricately, like a spell. It requires urgent intervention. On an individual level, nostalgia and resonance can operate if one perceives it as disdain. It is better to detach oneself from harmful cajolery and coquetry. Otherwise, accomplished and confident lives are trampled, and no therapist or psychiatrist can cure such addicts later on. It is not just an allegory to be dismissed from one’s mind.
After finishing this article, it is clear that a bitter spell has already been cast upon us. Those who embrace isolation from it will, one day, find their dedication turning into dejection when they realise they are estranged in a fractured society. It would be easier, rather than opting for it initially, to detach oneself. This issue should not be overlooked. We are indeed surrounded by such things—music everywhere in shorts, videos, etc.—making content more desirable for us and leading to many other perpetual consequences. For instance, some time ago, “Saiyaara” was widespread, mainly because of its hit and widely accepted song. Many criticised the movie, claiming it lacked a good story, but people went just for the song. Moreover, this form of entertainment gives false tears and troubling sadness to people, when in fact, society’s real problems and challenges—such as women being harmed by in-laws, people losing money through gambling, land disputes, court battles, expenses, and their parents’ hard work—fail to evoke such emotions.
To survive, one must be undaunted and valiant rather than someone who cries over a movie in front of others. They often romanticise their misery, perceiving themselves as oppressed, but they are actually losing their true wisdom and themselves. Be the hero in your story, not the side actor who doesn’t survive. By becoming a legend, one can achieve goals—money, a successful career, dignity, and satisfaction—without relying on superficial distractions.
Probe into yourself, discern your fragile side after understanding your strengths. Don’t be despondent; love natural things and your people. Respect everyone, rather than adopting a ragged attitude, and avoid humiliating yourself or others. Stay away from dangerous pursuits and seek solutions before challenges escalate. Be a resilient fighter; face challenges head-on. Do not embrace ferocity. Do what you cherish and avoid depending on false entertainment. Be joyful, amiable, and lively, but perform your tasks seriously and boost your serotonin levels. Visit new places and observe the outside world.
sa**************@***il.com