Videos featuring minimal clothing, suggestive dances, or content that pushes cultural boundaries have proven to attract significant attention, often going viral with millions of views. For instance, a reel by a fashion influencer showcasing an outfit from a local market can amass millions of views when paired with revealing attire, as seen in posts garnering up to 19.6 million views and 1 million engagements.While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of social media, the reliance on such content raises ethical questions. Influencers like Kajal Pandey and Sofia Ansari, known for their bold and sometimes controversial posts, have faced backlash for crossing the line into vulgarity. Critics argue that their content, which often includes explicit references to relationships or body exposure, prioritizes shock value over substance, potentially normalizing oversexualization for younger audiences.The Impact on Teenagers and Societal NormsTeenagers, who form a significant portion of Instagram’s user base in India, are particularly vulnerable to the influence of such content. With 726 young adults surveyed in a 2022 study, researchers found a significant correlation between Instagram use and issues like social comparison, colorism, and mental health challenges. The exposure to sexualized content can exacerbate these issues, fostering unrealistic standards of beauty and relationships. For impressionable teens, the constant stream of provocative reels may create pressure to emulate similar behaviors to gain social validation, potentially distorting their understanding of healthy relationships.
The portrayal of relationships in these reels often emphasizes superficial or sexualized dynamics, sidelining values like trust, respect, and emotional connection. For example, content creators like the “Santoor Mom,” who produce reels with inappropriate themes alongside family members, have been criticized for exploiting sacred familial bonds for views. Such actions not only erode cultural values but also send confusing messages to young audiences about what constitutes acceptable behavior in relationships.
Moreover, the lack of clear legal guidelines on what constitutes “obscene” content in India complicates the issue. While Indian courts rely on vague definitions of obscenity, social media platforms like Instagram have been slow to regulate suggestive content effectively. A notable case in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, saw influencers Mehak, Pari, Hina, and Jarrar Alam arrested in July 2025 for posting reels with “obscene language, abuses, and gestures.” The public outcry and subsequent police action highlight growing societal concern over such content, yet the absence of a robust legal framework leaves platforms and creators in a gray area.The Role of Social Media Platforms and RegulationThe responsibility to curb this trend lies not only with influencers but also with Instagram and regulatory bodies. In March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting blocked 18 OTT platforms and 57 associated social media accounts for obscene content, signaling a push for stricter oversight. However, no clear guidelines have been established for social media influencers, leaving platforms to self-regulate. Instagram’s community guidelines prohibit explicit content, but enforcement is inconsistent, allowing suggestive reels to proliferate. The case of “Babydoll Archi,” an AI-generated Instagram account using a real woman’s likeness for erotic content, underscores the platform’s challenges in policing fake or harmful profiles.Social media platforms must adopt proactive measures, such as improved content moderation algorithms and stricter penalties for accounts that repeatedly violate guidelines. Additionally, the Indian government could introduce clearer regulations defining acceptable content, balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect young users. Establishing a legal framework would empower platforms to remove objectionable content swiftly and deter influencers from chasing views through provocative means.A Call for Responsible Content CreationInfluencers, as role models for millions, have a social responsibility to create content that uplifts rather than exploits.
While some argue that bold content challenges conservative norms and fosters open conversations about topics like women’s health or relationships, the line between empowerment and vulgarity is often blurred. Influencers like Seema Anand, who uses her platform to educate about sexual wellness while maintaining respect for cultural sensitivities, demonstrate that meaningful content can engage without resorting to shock tactics.Teenagers, parents, and educators also have a role to play. Media literacy programs in schools can equip young people to critically evaluate the content they consume, distinguishing between entertainment and harmful stereotypes. Parents should engage in open dialogues with their children about the realities of social media, emphasizing the importance of healthy relationships built on mutual respect rather than superficial appeal.
The rise of Instagram Reels in India has unleashed unprecedented creative opportunities but also exposed a darker side of influencer culture. The trend of posting sexualized content to chase likes and views risks normalizing harmful perceptions of relationships, particularly among teenagers. While influencers like Kajal Pandey and Sofia Ansari push boundaries, their approach often prioritizes attention over responsibility, prompting backlash and legal action. As society grapples with these challenges, a collective effort is needed—stricter platform regulations, clearer legal guidelines, and responsible content creation—to ensure that social media fosters positive values rather than exploiting vulnerabilities. For the sake of India’s youth, it’s time to rethink the pursuit of viral fame and prioritize content that educates, inspires, and respects the cultural fabric of the nation.