Saturday, April 11, 2026
ADVT 
Bollywood

Chetan Bhagat Predicts Twitter Will Suffer And Die In 5 Years

IANS, 17 Oct, 2016 12:17 PM
  • Chetan Bhagat Predicts Twitter Will Suffer And Die In 5 Years
Often the target of abuse on social media, author Chetan Bhagat hit out at "cyber bullies" saying that Twitter was in fact the "graveyard of bullies".
 
"Trolls have made Twitter negative to a point where celebrities have stopped talking much on the platform," he said claiming that action of those on social media who target celebrities stemmed from a "mob-like mentality".
 
Mr Bhagat also claimed that the presence of trolls - someone who leaves an intentionally annoying message on the internet, in order to get attention or cause trouble - was forcing celebrities to shift to other social media platforms like Instagram.
 
Predicting the end of the widely popular short messaging service, Mr Bhagat said: "I think Twitter is going to suffer and in five years it will close down like Orkut and Myspace. People are moving to platforms like Instagram, because of all the negativity on Twitter."
 
However, Mr Bhagat himself continues to remain active on Twitter, with 9 million followers. He explained he only does so for promotion of his books, and not for sharing his personal views anymore.
 
 
"Only writers and media persons are there on Twitter, all the celebrities have disappeared. When I release a book I go there (Twitter) knowing that the medium is like a minefield and it has only become negative. People use my name to write negative comments and get a few laughs, so I also use it for publicity," he said.
 
 
Not all of his efforts at promoting his books, though, seem to have worked.
 
When he asked people to post images of latest work - One Indian Girl -against beautiful settings many mocked him by posting insulting photos.
 
Some posted images of Mr Bhagat's book on a weighing scale, with old newspapers and magazines in balance. Others superimposed the cover of his book in the hands of ISIS terrorists about to execute hostages, and forcing others to read the book.
 
The 42-year-old author said social media for him remains a place where free speech must be cherished.  
 
"Writers are supposed to say what they feel is right. Sometimes it could be pro, sometimes anti- government.  Writers who say I am only going to take an anti-government position are stupid. If it a corrupt government I will criticize it. When it acts against terrorists it has all my support," he said.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

'Udta Punjab' Now To Become Case Study In Business Schools

Filmmaker Abhishek Chaubey's "Udta Punjab", released to critical acclaim after getting into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), will be a case study at three business schools.

'Udta Punjab' Now To Become Case Study In Business Schools

If Kriti is on a Holiday With Sushant in Thailand, Then Who is This?

If Kriti is on a Holiday With Sushant in Thailand, Then Who is This?
Actress Kriti Sanon denied reports of vacationing with Raabta co-star Sushant Singh Rajput in Thailand, insisting she is at home with her sister.

If Kriti is on a Holiday With Sushant in Thailand, Then Who is This?

Indian Music Needs Respectable Place To Flourish: Sonu Nigam

Indian Music Needs Respectable Place To Flourish: Sonu Nigam
The National Award winner, who has been enthralling fans in India and abroad with his soulful voice for over 25 years, told IANS: "Our (Indian) music is becoming more international."

Indian Music Needs Respectable Place To Flourish: Sonu Nigam

Sanjay Dutt's Niece Says She Struggled Like Any Newcomer

Sanjay Dutt's Niece Says She Struggled Like Any Newcomer
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's niece Nazia Hussain, who rose to fame through her role in Telugu film “Nee Jathaga Nenundali” (remake of “Aashiqui 2”), says she struggled in the industry like “an ordinary person”.

Sanjay Dutt's Niece Says She Struggled Like Any Newcomer

Writing Simpler Than Making Films, Says Chetan Bhagat

Celebrated author Chetan Bhagat, who is co-producing the upcoming film adaptation of his novel “Half Girlfriend”, has been spending time at the shoot of the film. He says filmmaking requires more “hard work” than writing a book.

Writing Simpler Than Making Films, Says Chetan Bhagat

Doing Sex Comedy Will Depend On Who Makes It And How: Jacqueline

Doing Sex Comedy Will Depend On Who Makes It And How: Jacqueline
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez wants to try her hand at different genres in cinema, and she says she will be willing to do a sex comedy provided it is done aesthetically.

Doing Sex Comedy Will Depend On Who Makes It And How: Jacqueline