I, as a creator, am careful about what I put out there. When people trust a creator’s words, the responsibility is greater. I don’t say anything that can hurt someone (notice that I didn’t use the word ‘offend’, but ‘hurt’). I try not to be prescriptive, which means I don’t give solutions based on my condition alone without bothering to know anything about my followers’ circumstances. I don’t talk about the what and how, but the why of things. And lastly, I don’t want to come across as a know-it-all. If I fumble, so be it. The best teachers are those who are still students.

The social media landscape may not change drastically in 2022, but the next five years are going to be crucial. If you are using social media, realise three things. Firstly, recognise the fact that, by design, it is created to generate emotions, but don’t believe that it is the right thing for you. Evade everything that it feeds you, and choose your own list.

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Secondly, if you use it wisely, the opportunity it creates will be unparalleled. I have spent time with young people between 18 and 23, and I have learnt that whenever school or college has failed them, they turn to YouTube and learn it there—languages, information, news, coding. YouTube is the largest college in India right now. Learning doesn’t always happen in classrooms.
And lastly, don’t believe everything that you read on social media—it is meant to provoke, and titillate you. Realise that it’s most likely false, move ahead and find your own truth.

Ankur Warikoo is a serial entrepreneur, content creator and mentor to young businesses. He founded hyper local merchant listing company nearbuy.com in 2015. He is the author of the just-released title Do Epic Shit