Instagram challenges made for a dialogue in the virtual world during lockdown, say experts

The one thing that emerged under the lockdown is the creativity that it brought about. People took to learning interesting stuff, and what’s more they also took part in various Instagram challenges – some of which were funny, some cute and others which kept them on their toes, quite literally via dancing and exercise.

'People didn't feel that distant due to it' Causing a few laughs and grabbing the attention, apart, they were a good thing to happen, reveal mental health experts. Says psychiatrist Dr Pavan Sonar, “The challenges proved to be encouraging. They kept people mindful as they were engaged in activities and hobbies, which they may have otherwise ignored. Life is also tense at this time, so these were a distraction and a boon. It also made for a dialogue in the virtual world when you are disconnected in the real world. People didn’t feel that distant due to it.”
Adds behaviour expert Natasha Mehta, “Taking part in such challenges was like participating in a dialogue with so many people, many of them strangers. The lockdown had presented so many small hurdles in everyone’s lives and this helped people get over that. The social media platform offered a window to communicate with the world and that has been mentally refreshing to many. I know quite a few people who also learnt so many skills due to this.”