There was a time when atheism was considered a trend, distinguishing individuals from the crowd in a society dominated by belief. However, as time has passed, now to stand out, many have embraced the identity of believers. Ironically, this newfound faith often manifests not out of genuine belief but as a means to differentiate themselves on social media, where God has become part of a growing trend.
One such trend is the phenomenon of “kovil dates" Meaning "Temple dates", where couples visit temples together and call it a "date". This raises an important question, isn't a temple supposed to be a sacred space? It is concerning to witness holy places turned into casual meeting spots, serving primarily as settings for social media validation. What was once a space for faith is now often treated as a setting for social media.
Adding to this spectacle are countless videos and posts showcasing individuals suddenly identifying as devotees. With trending devotional songs in the background, they film themselves visiting temples and sharing these experiences online. This behavior feels insincere, as the term "devotee" is used more as a label to gain visibility on platforms like Instagram than as a reflection of true faith.
An example of this trend is the recent surge in Lord Murugan's visibility on social media. Known as “Tamil Kadavul", he has become a popular figure for many looking to express their devotion online. People share images and videos celebrating him, often set to trending devotional songs. However, it brings a question, is this true devotion, or simply a tactic to attract attention? The line between authentic faith and the desire for social validation has become blurred.
Additionally, some people take four or five random photos of gopurams, statues, flowers, and other temple elements, slap a vintage filter over them and call it "aesthetic". What was once a sacred experience is now reduced to a social media post, designed more for attention. This practice of turning spiritual symbols into mere visual content diminishes their significance.
We might console ourselves by thinking that this trend indicates some level of faith in society. But is it truly worth it? If belief is merely a vehicle for social media popularity, can it be called faith? When spirituality becomes a face for likes and views, does it serve any meaningful purpose?
This discussion is not about questioning anyone’s right to worship or subvert belief systems. Faith for many is deeply personal and meaningful. The issue lies in how some have turned worship into a trend, reducing spirituality to a tool for social media popularity. In a landscape where devotion can be performed for the camera, can we still recognize the true essence of faith, or has it become just another aspect of our digital personas?
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