Entertainment was once a lantern in the dark—a source of joy, comfort, learning, and escape. Whether through song, story, or screen, it uplifted spirits and was a binder for communities. But in today’s cluttered digital age, its purpose often feels diluted. With so much content at our fingertips, are we still feeling joy—or just clicking through chaos?
What was once a deliberate choice—a family film night, a new book, a visit to the theatre—has now become a constant stream of notifications, recommendations, and reels. With platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram Reels offering endless scrolls of content, the way we engage with entertainment has fundamentally changed. Social media rewards speed and volume, while binge culture turns storytelling into marathons. The result? We’re watching more than ever, but are we feeling it?
It’s true that some modern entertainment is too much into sensationalism —endless plot twists with exaggerated sorrow and pointless drama. While such content grabs attention, it can leave viewers emotionally drained. Many women-centric shows, too, risk reinforcing stereotypes instead of rewriting them and empowering women. But rather than dwell on what’s going wrong, we must look at what’s going right—and ask how we, as viewers and creators, can choose better.
People sit to watch and seek entertainment because they want to get away from daily stresses and struggles. It should soothe, not stir more chaos.
And joy is not lost. It lives in meaningful, value-rich content that still thrives. Films like Taare Zameen Par awaken empathy and kindness. Swades and The Pursuit of Happiness ignite purpose and hope. Laapataa Ladies defines what true and pure entertainment is. Dangal and Chhichhore blend fun with life lessons, proving that entertainment and meaning are not enemies but partners.
But amidst this meaningful content lies a way deeper issue—quantity often overtakes quality. The race and pressure to stay “up to date” with every trending show, every viral meme, and every new season can be overwhelming. Instead of feeling refreshed, we end up stressed. Entertainment starts to feel like an obligation. “Algorithms” play their part too, serving us what’s popular, not always what’s purposeful. They guide us toward repetition and sameness, making discovery feel less like a personal journey and more like a structured and pre-made loop.
There’s laughter in the kitchen with shows like Laughter Chefs, and wisdom in simplicity through gems like Gullak, Panchayat, and Yeh Meri Family. These series don’t scream for attention—they earn it, through gentle humour, strong values, and everyday relatability.
Internationally, F.R.I.E.N.D.S continues to charm across generations with its timeless humour and warmth. Soul dives deep into life’s purpose, Hidden Figures uplifts brilliance and courage, and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind celebrates ingenuity. Documentaries like Our Planet and Blue Planet offer beauty and awareness in equal measure.
The shift in how we consume is also worth noting. Earlier, entertainment was savoured. We dressed up for movies, discussed books, and shared episodes with anticipation. Today, we skip intros, double-screen, and scroll while watching. This passive consumption drains the depth out of the experience. We no longer engage—we merely absorb.
This kind of constant input also affects our minds. Screen fatigue, anxiety from over-stimulation, and shortened attention spans are becoming common. What once calmed us now often overwhelms. Some even report feeling more anxious after watching content—proof that not all entertainment heals.
The solution isn’t to reject all drama, but to restore balance—to seek out content that makes us feel more human, not more numb. Comedy shows like The Great Indian Kapil Show remind us how laughter heals. Educational stories like Iqbal, Super 30, 12th Fail, and Rocket Boys prove that learning can be as entertaining as it is enlightening.
What can we do? Choose better. Talk about the shows that feed the soul, not just the ones that trend. Support creators who tell honest, uplifting stories. Recommend content that unites, not divides.
We can reclaim joy by being selective. Maybe it’s a weekend away from screens. Maybe it’s a quiet evening with a book or a re-watch of a film that moved you. Maybe it’s watching something from start to end—without distractions. Small steps can lead to deep joy.
Entertainment isn’t broken—it’s evolving. And in this evolution, we, the audience, are not just spectators but guides. The joy is still there, waiting to be found in the quiet, the kind, and the clever.
Perhaps we haven’t lost the joy—just buried it under too many options.
