DUBAI: In the often fast-paced industry of content creation, where algorithms dictate visibility and follower engagement, the toll on creators’ mental and emotional well-being often goes unnoticed. The inaugural day of the 1 Billion Followers Summit staged compelling panel discussions at its Museum of the Future Stage, where seasoned experts in the field as well as some of the biggest online personalities shared profound insights into the essential yet often neglected aspect of a creator’s journey – self-care.
A Creator’s Guide to a Healthy Mind
During a session, titled ‘A Creator’s Guide to a Healthy Mind,’ prominent speakers shared valuable insights and practical tools to help content creators prioritize their mental well-being.
Moderated by Abdullah AlRaesi, the panel included Rajeh Alharthi, a Saudi social media influencer, Kareem Esmail, a Positive Psychology Coach and founder of Mental Health Hub, and Fares Ghandour, CEO of Tuhoon, a specialised Arabic app dedicated to mental health.
Fares Ghandour,
shedding light on the importance of sleep, stated, “A great deal of mental issues revolve around a lack of rest. According to widely accepted research, those who sleep less than 8 hours a night tend to suffer from anxiety and overthinking.” He also emphasized the diverse emotional spectrum humans experience and the need for self-acceptance for long-term happiness.
Echoing the connection between sleep and mental health, Kareem Esmail stressed, “Anxiety is often connected to the lack of sleep. It’s crucial to prioritize ample sleep for mental well-being.”
Highlighting the Islamic perspective on mental health, Esmail emphasised the significance of compassion and kindness. “Living in a way that aligns with the beliefs of Islam and its teachings can contribute significantly to mental well-being,” he stated.
Rajeh Al Harthi shared personal experiences, stating, “Through good sleep, you have good health,” referencing an Arab proverb. Despite having over 130,000 hours as a TV personality, Al Harthi admitted to occ
asional nervousness and self-doubt. He advised content creators to maintain a positive mindset and selectively engage with feedback, deleting unconstructive comments that could negatively impact public opinion.
Moderated by Emirati lawyer and community influencer, Omar Al Heloo, a panel that was brimming with attendees keen to see their favourite social media stars featured the likes of the world-famous rapper and travel creator Haifa Beseisso, also known as Fly with Haifa, TikTok sensation Raghda Taleen, and digital master Saif Al Dhahab.
Al Heloo kicked off the discussion titled ‘You’re Allowed to Take Breaks’ with a powerful statement, declaring, “I’m no longer a slave of the algorithm and told my followers I was going to take a break. In my opinion, it’s very important to have a clear strategy in content creation and plan breaks within that strategy.”
Haifa Beseisso, renowned for her travel-centric content, reflected on the pandemic-induced pause. She said, “I was forced to ‘take a break’ during Covid-
19, but in retrospect, it was a blessing and a perfect time for me to realign my focus and direction. This led to me realising my dream of visiting many Arab tribes and speaking to Sages and wise old people, who shared moments and knowledge I am proud I could share with the world.”
Raghda Taleen, with over 5.7 million followers on TikTok, confessed the challenges of disconnecting from social media. “I find it very hard to disconnect from social media, and if I was away for too long I would go crazy. As my followers increased, I started to feel the pressure to provide content and sometimes even second-guessed myself when uploading.”
Saif Al Dhahab shared a deep perspective on the enduring nature of creating content that aligns with one’s ambitions, stating, “Passion fuels the journey; if you genuinely love what you do, it becomes a lifelong journey. While technology has transformed the landscape, the essence of creation still rests on individual ideas , personality and representing who you truly are.”
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ce: Emirates News Agency