My answer to this question has kept changing over the last few years. Currently, “I live on whatsapp.” That is where you will find me.
Our lives have transcended physical boundaries in a world that’s seamlessly interconnected through platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit and various other digital spaces. We no longer merely inhabit cities or countries. Our presence extends into the vast expanse of the digital cloud. As we navigate this virtual realm, we find ourselves wandering between these online spaces, each one offering a unique experience, knowledge, connection and expression.
Our existence today is marked by our interactions in the digital realm. We wander between these virtual spaces, shaping our identities, exchanging ideas and forming communities. Some of us linger in certain specific platforms while others traverse the entire spectrum. But amidst this endless sea of connectivity, have we ever paused to ponder where we truly reside? Is it the quick scrolls on Instagram that make us feel at home, or the thought-provoking discussions on Reddit that resonate with our essence?
This new reality has reshaped the notion of belonging. No longer confined to geographical borders, our identities, thoughts and ideologies have become inhabitants of the cloud. A realm that transcends any physical territory. Our thinking doesn’t resonate within city limits. It resonates within the endless expanse of the virtual world. Our beliefs aren’t restricted to one nation. They extend across pixels and data streams. We craft our identities, share our stories and find like-minded individuals who resonate with our experiences. We listen to voices from every corner of the world, engaging in conversations that bridge cultures, languages and beliefs. This is where we learn, where we express and where we hold space for our diverse viewpoints. But amidst this infinite universe of information, where do we truly reside? In the midst of the ceaseless scrolling and tapping, have we neglected to assess where we invest our most precious resource. Time.
Where are we living these days? Are we mindlessly scrolling through feeds losing ourselves in an abyss of content that often leaves us empty? Or are we purposefully engaging in discussions that challenge our perspectives and expand our horizons? The digital era has offered us the gift of boundless access to information but it has also brought the challenge of managing our attention and intention.
It is time to consider where we invest the majority of our digital presence. Are we allowing ourselves to be swept away by the tide of fleeting content or are we making conscious choices that contribute to our growth and well-being? We must navigate this clouded landscape with intention, placing our energy where it matters the most. Just as in the physical world, where we choose our circle of friends and the places we frequent, the digital world requires us to curate our experiences. Our days are composed of limited hours and each second invested in a virtual space is a second that can’t be reclaimed. In this digital age, our screens can either amplify our existence or detract from it. It is a call to action, urging us to reflect on where we’re dedicating our time and energy. Are we building meaningful connections, gaining knowledge and sharing insights, or are we merely skimming the surface?
The power lies within us to reclaim our digital residency. By prioritising platforms that align with our values and aspirations, we can ensure that our time spent online is purposeful and enriching. Let’s engage in conversations that challenge our understanding, contribute to our growth and foster empathy. Let’s embrace the digital cloud as a realm of endless possibilities. A place where we can elevate our thinking and inspire positive change.
It is a call to live with intention. To be present where our beliefs are nurtured, our minds are expanded and our hearts are uplifted. Let us mindfully select the spaces that uplift us. Let us create a balance between the digital and the tangible, the virtual and the real. After all, where we choose to reside in the vast cloud of data and connection reflects not only our digital presence but also the essence of our lives.
Where are you living these days? If you can find the answer to this question, you can also understand where your audience lives. And that is powerful.
XPLAINED is our initiative to share, collaborate, learn and communicate with absolute transparency. The author, Kal Kalim, is a Melbourne based fashion photographer, brand strategist and communication designer who has worked with fashion and lifestyle brands in Europe, Asia and Australia over the last two decades. He believes in the power of authenticity, creativity, originality, kindness and purpose. Purposeful and meaningful communication is at the core of every campaign or collaboration that he likes being a part of. Kal especially loves working with brands & businesses that strengthen local communities and are inspiring the next generation of creators, designers, thinkers and entrepreneurs to be authentic, creative & kind.
Kal also manages an educational & learning-style beauty pageant & modelling academy called ASOTY ( Australian Supermodel of the Year ). ASOTY is focused on helping girls discover their inner beauty and the true supermodel within them. And prepare them for the fashion and beauty industry through relevant coaching & ongoing mentoring. A similar program for men was initiated in India too during the pandemic. CDMTM ( Clothes Don’t Maketh The Man ) is world’s first hybrid program focused on coaching and grooming men towards becoming a better version of themselves.
Kal loves travelling, and collaborating with people who want to make this world a better place through their word, walk and work.
