Latest news with #MishaAgarwal
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Brutal economics of India's high-stakes influencer universe
Despite the surge in creators, very few can make a sustainable living. A recent Redseer report revealed that most creators earn less than a junior executive in a corporate job. Many end up working for 'exposure' or free gifts 'The growth was painfully slow. I don't know what else I could've done' 'The pressure to grow faster is killing creativity' 'Not everyone can deal with the stress' 'You need to build your brand – not follow someone else's' 'The hustle for numbers is real' 'There's no HR here. No safety net. No off days' Over 80 million creators – but where's the money? India has 80 million creators, per Kalaari Capital Only 1.5–2% manage consistent monetisation Typical earnings range from ₹ 16,000 to ₹2 lakh per month 83% of Gen Z in India now identify as content creators. Most new creators come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities Instagram is not a real world and followers are not real love, please try to understand this' – 24-year-old content creator Misha Agarwal's family wrote this message last week along with their statement after Misha's tragic suicide. The family shared that Misha 'felt worthless' after her followers started incident has thrown a harsh spotlight on the unsparing world of digital fame. Her final Instagram story hinted at loneliness and burnout over declining follower count: a toxic cocktail increasingly common in the high-pressure influencer economy. So how does one navigate a career where metrics define self-worth and virality is mistaken for value?Kajal Kothari, now a successful lifestyle influencer, left a stable job as managingdirector to chase a less conventional dream.'Eight-and-half years ago, when I decided to take a break from corporate life and explore something more fun like blogging, it was exciting but scary. I didn't know if I'd ever make money. I gave myself a year and just took a chance. I didn't have any options so I had to make this work.' That gamble worked for her, but she acknowledges the uneven playing many creators, success is still elusive. Popular YouTuber Nalini Unagar, known for her food and lifestyle content, recently quit after investing `8 lakh over three a now-viral video, she admitted: 'I tried everything – shorts, reels, long videos – but the growth was painfully slow. I didn't even break even. I don't know what else I could've done.'Even seasoned influencers aren't immune to the constant pressure. 'There's a race to grow faster every month, to keep engagement high – it kills creativity,' says content creator Sourav Joshi. Whether you have 1,000 or a million followers, the pressure remains the same – to stay visible, relevant, liked. Kothari shares: 'Constant competition, constant creativity, bringing something unique, something the audience can relate to on a regular basis. .. it can get tough. But I thrive under pressure. It pushes me to do better.'Dr Marrita Monteirro, an orthodontist and lifestyle influencer, agrees. 'There can be a creator's block – it has happened to a lot of backend work that nobody sees. Editing, writing, shooting... it's overwhelming.'The mental toll of influencing is finally being recognised. Psychiatrists say the 'Lucky Girl Syndrome' – where positive thinking is promoted as the only ingredient for success – is especially harmful in the influencer ecosystem. 'If they believe success hinges on attitude alone, they may blame themselves when things fail,' warns psychiatrist Dr Rahul Chandhok.'They ignore factors like algorithms or a saturated market. ' Dr Vanaja Reddy Puli adds, 'Toxic positivity invalidates negative feelings. It can lead to guilt, shame, and emotional suppression.' Both advise frequent breaks, hobbies and offline support creator Ashish Chanchlani says building identity is everything. 'People should come to watch you — not just a trend. If you're just catching lightning in a bottle, they won't return.' He adds, 'There's a phase where you feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing. But if you want to last, you need to build your own brand – one that reflects your voice, your story, your journey.' 'You become just another reel if you don't stand for something. ' That's why only a few transcend platforms to build lasting brands or break into films. Others disappear in the management agency heads confirm the hustle is nonstop. 'Engagement entails you're working 24/7,' says Prateek Jain of Gimmick Digital that is into celebrity management with a focus on creators. 'Brands want creators who can boost visibility and sales — everything else is secondary.' Aman Garg, an influencer manager, adds, 'We consider tone, visual style, audience trust, and the quality of engagement — not just numbers. Passion-based creators with a loyal community offer better returns.' Brand partnerships are a major income stream for creators — but the process is far from transparent. 'Honestly, it's like matchmaking,' says Arindam Biswas, Group Vice President at SVF & Hoichoi, that matches brands with creators. 'We don't just look at followers or trends — we try to understand the vibe of the brand and find creators who genuinely align with that. The hustle for numbers is real — I get it. But creators are starting to focus on loyalty — who's sticking around. Because brands are slowly realising it's better to be loved by 10k than scrolled past by 100k.'Influencers and creators work without basic job protections — no insurance, no sick leave, no structure. When burnout hits, there's no boss or colleague, only ever-changing algorithms. 'Protecting creator rights is critical,' says Dr Monteirro, 'Ideas get stolen. And funny reels go viral while meaningful content is often overlooked.' As Misha Agarwal's tragic end shows, the emotional cost of chasing validation in a hyper-competitive digital landscape could result in the kind of stress not every youngster is equipped to deal with.
News18
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Life Is Precious': Adish Vaidya Reacts To Influencer Misha Agarwal's Death
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, the actor expressed concern over the growing obsession with virtual validation and social media metrics. Television actor Adish Vaidya, currently seen in Pushpa Impossible, recently reacted to the tragic death of social media influencer Misha Agarwal. The content creator took her own life fearing the end of her career after a drop in Instagram followers. Describing the incident as heartbreaking, the actor expressed concern over the growing obsession with virtual validation and social media metrics. In a conversation with the Times of India, he said, 'I am heartbroken to see how today's youngsters consider ending their lives due to social media pressures. I don't know Misha personally, and I don't know the real reason behind her death, but I'm extremely saddened to hear what her family had to say- fan-following pressure". He advised users to stop spending excessive time on social media, saying, 'Such cases are horrifying. Anything in excess is harmful, and constantly using your phone can cause you to feel unnecessary pressure, make comparisons, and a lot more. Everyone should understand that excessive use of social media can lead to mental health issues, reduced productivity, and social isolation." Elaborating further, the actor said, 'The constant need for validation and comparison can also negatively impact self-esteem. Anonymous accounts and the lack of face-to-face interactions can facilitate cyberbullying and harassment, leading to emotional distress and psychological harm for victims. Life is much more than just glamour and being famous. Not giving up and understanding that life is precious and you destroy your family's life too when you take such a drastic step." Talking about artists or influencers, he said, 'They take on too much unnecessary stress and struggle to keep their accounts updated. This is really not required. We should instead focus on living consciously and live each moment happily." Social media influencer Misha Agrawal breathed her last on April 24, just two days before her 25th birthday. The news of her suicide was confirmed through her official Instagram handle by her elder sister Mukta Agrawal. Stating her death, they wrote, 'My baby sister had built her world around Instagram and her followers, with a single goal of reaching 1 million followers and gaining loving fans. When her followers started decreasing, she became distraught and felt worthless. Since April, she had been deeply depressed, often hugging me and crying, saying, 'Jijja, what will I do if my followers decrease? My career will be over." Her family tried to comfort her, telling her that Instagram was only a part of her life, not everything. 'I reminded her of her talents, her LLB degree, and her preparation for PCSJ, telling her that she will become a judge one day and doesn't need to worry about her career. Unfortunately, my little sister didn't listen and became so consumed by Instagram and followers that she left our world forever," the statement added. First Published: May 06, 2025, 15:51 IST
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Business Standard
01-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Misha Agarwal suicide: How to shield kids from dark side of social media
The untimely death of young social media influencer Misha Agarwal has sent shockwaves across India, forcing us to confront a harsh reality: the race for online validation can have deadly consequences. Misha's sister, Mukta Agrawal, revealed in a social media post that she died by suicide, just days before her 25th birthday, leaving her fans and followers in shock. According to Mukhta's post, Misha was struggling with depression due to dwindling Instagram followers. Her story is a stark reminder of the silent pressures behind curated online lives—and how the pursuit of virtual validation is claiming real lives. Dangerous race for followers and likes Social media platforms thrive on engagement—likes, comments, and shares. For teenagers, these metrics often become a measure of self-worth. A study by the American Psychological Association found that teens spending over 3 hours daily on social media are at higher risk of anxiety and depression. Why do teens crave validation online? Some possible reasons why teens crave validation online: Comparison Trap: Teens constantly compare themselves to edited, idealised versions of others. Dopamine Addiction: Each like triggers a dopamine rush, reinforcing dependency. Fear of Irrelevance: Falling behind in followers feels like social exclusion. It all results in a toxic cycle where self-esteem fluctuates with online approval. How does social media affect teen mental health? Here's how social media is hampering teens' mental health: 1. Anxiety and Depression Constant exposure to curated perfection makes teens feel inadequate. Research links heavy social media use to increased suicidal thoughts in vulnerable adolescents. 2. Cyberbullying Unlike schoolyard bullying, online harassment follows kids home. Hurtful comments, body-shaming, and hate messages—like those Misha reportedly faced—can be relentless. 3. Sleep Deprivation & Mental Fatigue Scrolling late into the night disrupts sleep, worsening mood swings and concentration. Many teens report feeling "mentally drained" by endless content consumption. Parents' role: Protecting kids from digital burnout Possible warning signs that parents need to observe on their children: Withdrawal from offline activities Emotional distress after using social media Obsession with posting/checking notifications How can parents help? Set Screen Time Limits: Use app timers or "no-phone zones" (e.g., dinner table). Encourage Offline Hobbies: Sports, art, or reading to reduce screen dependence. Open Conversations: Discuss cyberbullying and self-worth beyond likes. Model Healthy Habits: Kids mimic parents—reduce your own screen time. Rethinking social media's role on children Misha's tragedy underscores the urgent need for change. While social media isn't inherently evil, its unchecked use is reshaping childhood in dangerous ways. Parents, educators, and platforms must work together to foster healthier digital habits before more young lives are lost to the virtual validation trap. Likes don't define worth. It's time we teach our kids that.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who was Ms. Misha Agarwal? The girl whose suicide shook the internet
The recent demise of Ms. Misha Agarwal , a social media influencer, has sent shockwaves across the internet. The young entrepreneur, who tragically passed away by suicide on April 24, 2025, a mere two days prior to her 25th birthday, leaves behind a poignant narrative regarding the pervasive influence of social media on the lives of young individuals. In a formal announcement posted on Ms. Agarwal's Instagram account, her bereaved family confirmed the heartbreaking news of her passing. Subsequently, six days later, a deeply emotional disclosure on the same platform illuminated the underlying factors that contributed to this devastating event. The post revealed that Ms. Agarwal's existence had become inextricably linked with her pursuit of a significant milestone on Instagram: amassing one million followers. The family further shared the distressing reality that a decline in her follower count precipitated feelings of profound worthlessness and despair in the young creator. Reinforcing this revelation, they included a screenshot of her mobile phone wallpaper, starkly displaying her aspiration to achieve this digital popularity, underscoring the extent to which this goal had consumed her thoughts and aspirations. Ms. Misha Agarwal's educational background Despite her professional accomplishments as a law graduate and her preparations for the Provincial Civil Services Judicial Examination (PCSJ), Ms. Agarwal evidently struggled to reconcile the pressures of maintaining a prominent online presence with her personal well-being. While her content resonated with a wide audience, few were privy to the internal turmoil and emotional distress she endured behind the curated facade of her social media persona. An older video of Ms. Agarwal, now circulating online, poignantly reveals her struggles with self-hate and a deep-seated fear of abandonment, offering a glimpse into her underlying vulnerabilities. Poll Should social media platforms do more to address mental health issues? No, it's up to individuals to manage Yes, they have a responsibility by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Historic Figures Who Were Actually Photographed Gloriousa Undo More than an internet personality Beyond her influencer status, Ms. Agarwal was the driving force behind Misha Cosmetics , a brand recognized for its focus on hair care products and beauty advice disseminated through its dedicated social media account. Following her passing, the brand's page issued a confirmation of the news, assuring customers that pending orders would be fulfilled, a testament to Ms. Agarwal's commitment to her entrepreneurial venture. The tragic circumstances surrounding Ms. Agarwal's death serve as a stark reminder of the profound impact social media experts on contemporary youth. The incident underscores the potential for these platforms to become sources of validation to an unhealthy degree, blurring the lines between online representation and lived reality. Her family's heartfelt message explicitly addressed this concern, stating with solemnity, 'Instagram is not a real world and followers are not real love, please try to understand this.' Their plea urges young individuals to adopt a more discerning perspective, viewing these platforms as a form of entertainment rather than allowing them to dictate their sense of self-worth and consume their lives entirely. The untimely loss of Ms. Agarwal highlights the critical need for increased awareness regarding the psychological implications of social media engagement and the importance of fostering a balanced and realistic understanding of online interactions.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Influencer Misha Agarwal's sister breaks silence on her suicide: Unfortunately, she didn't listen and became …
Recently, the popular Instagram influencer Misha Agarwal recently committed suicide two days ahead of her 25th Birthday. The tragic incident has brought attention to the pressures faced by social media content creators. Agrawal, who died on April 24th just before her 25th birthday, reportedly took her own life after struggling with a decline in her social media following. Agarwal's sister recently revealed that the young and witty influencer felt worthless as her the count of her followers were decreasing. She also revealed that after reaching the milestone of 1 million followers, Agarwal built her world around Instagram. Influencer Misha Agarwal's sister breaks silence on her suicide Misha Agarwal's sister has now posted a story on her Instagram account revealing the cause of her suicide. She revealed that Misha built her world around Instagram and she only has one goal of reaching 1 million followers. She further highlighted that Agarwal felt distraught when her followers started decreasing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Misha Agrawal (@themishaagrawalshow) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Health: American soldiers swear by this unbreakable smartwatch Indestructible Smartwatch Undo 'Since April, she had been deeply depressed, often hugging me and crying saying, 'Jijja, what will I do if my followers decrease? My career will be over.' Despite holding a law degree and preparing for judicial exams, Agrawal was deeply affected by the fluctuations of online fame. The incident underscores the significant impact that social media validation can have on mental health, particularly for those whose identities and self-worth become closely tied to their online presence. Read Misha Aragwal's sister's Instagram post here My little sister had built her world around Instagram and her followers, with a single goal of reaching 1 million followers and gaining loving fans. When her followers started decreasing, she became distraught and felt worthless. Since April, she had been deeply depressed, often hugging me and crying, saying, 'Jijja, what will I do if my followers decrease? My career will be over. I tried to console her, explaining that this isn't her entire world, it's just a side job, and if it doesn't work out, it's not the end. I reminded her of her talents, her LLB degree, and her preparation for PCSJ, telling her that she'll become a judge one day and doesn't need to worry about her career. I advised her to view Instagram as mere entertainment and not let it consume her. I urged her to focus on her happiness and let go of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, my little sister didn't listen and became so consumed by Instagram and followers that she left our world forever. Tragically, she became so overwhelmed that she took her own life, leaving our family devastated. This tragic event has ignited conversations about the mental health challenges faced by influencers and the potential dangers of defining self-worth by social media metrics. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
