A FEW years ago, television was the primary source of entertainment. With the rapid advancement of technology, mobile phones have become the dominant medium. Today, our lives are increasingly centred around these small devices, and whether intentionally or not, we spend a significant amount of time on them. One of the most popular activities on mobile devices is consuming blog content. In recent years, Bangladesh鈥檚 digital landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, with content creation and lifestyle vlogging emerging as major trends. From travel and food vlogs to tech reviews and personal storytelling, Bangladeshi creators are establishing a strong presence on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
The number of content creators and influencers has rapidly surged, with thousands of individuals now monetising their content through advertisements, sponsorships and affiliate marketing. Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook Watch and TikTok have become the main channels for lifestyle vlogging and digital storytelling. Lifestyle vlogs, which cover a wide range of topics like daily routines, travel, fashion, food, fitness and personal experiences, have gained tremendous popularity. Blogging in Bangladesh has empowered both individuals and businesses, providing a platform for self-expression, raising awareness and promoting education. It has contributed significantly to the digital economy through digital marketing, freelancing, and content creation. However, blogging also brings challenges, including misinformation, cyberbullying and plagiarism, while excessive reliance on it can lead to financial instability and mental health issues. Despite these setbacks, blogging continues to shape digital opportunities and public discourse. Its accessibility has led many people to pursue it as a profession, a trend reminiscent of the earlier days when people created educational songs, writings, dramas, and TV shows. But what has caused blogging to reach such unprecedented levels of popularity today?
The rise in blogging can be explained by a few important aspects. Today, people from all walks of life such as homemakers, working professionals and even children are becoming interested in creating and watching videos. One of the main reasons is that blogging is easy to access and inexpensive. With the internet and social media, blogging has become even more popular, allowing people to reach a large audience and express themselves. Digital content creation has also opened up ways to earn money, with many full-time creators making good incomes. It has also become a career choice for some because of opportunities like digital marketing and earning money through ads, sponsorships and affiliate marketing. It has influenced industries such as travel, fashion and technology. Companies now hire bloggers to help with marketing and students, researchers and professionals rely on blogs for trending information.
Blogging has evolved into a powerful medium that not only facilitates self-expression but also shapes societal narratives, challenges power structures and fosters digital communities. Through the lens of sociological theories, we can see how blogging reflects and influences modern society. The rise of blogging aligns with Manuel Castells鈥� concept of the 鈥榥etwork society,鈥� where digital platforms shape economic, social, and political interactions. Traditional media is no longer the sole source of information, as bloggers use online networks to create and share knowledge, influence public opinion and build digital communities. Social Constructionism theory suggests that reality is shaped by social interactions and shared beliefs. Bloggers contribute to shaping societal narratives, whether in fashion or trending issues. By advocating for issues like gender equality, mental health, or environmental awareness, they can help construct new social meanings and influence public perceptions. Ultimately, blogging is not just a digital activity but a reflection of the social world. It serves as both a tool for empowerment and a mirror of existing inequalities. By understanding its impact through sociological perspectives, we can foster a more ethical, inclusive, and responsible digital environment.
In Bangladesh, blogging has grown significantly, with about 200 active blogs covering topics like self-improvement, science, law, digital marketing, entrepreneurship and fashion. It is also an important platform for women, giving them the chance to express themselves, advocate for causes and become financially independent. It helps women build personal brands, raise awareness about important social issues and promote gender equality. Blogging focuses on valuable knowledge, social causes and inclusion, which can bring about positive change, build supportive communities and encourage ethical discussions. It also plays an important role in Bangladesh鈥檚 economy by supporting digital marketing, creating freelancing jobs and encouraging entrepreneurship. It helps promote tourism and attracts foreign investments, further boosting the economy. However, to deal with the challenges blogging brings, it is important to set rules for content, uphold ethical standards and teach digital literacy. Promoting fact-checking, transparency and certifying credible bloggers can help improve content quality and reduce misinformation.
With the right digital policies and infrastructure, Bangladesh has the potential to become a leading hub for digital content creators in South Asia. To reduce the negative effects of blogging, we need to encourage responsible content creation, improve digital literacy, and ensure ethical practices. Introducing laws against cyber-bullying and plagiarism, as well as raising awareness about mental health among bloggers, will help create a safer and more responsible online environment.
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Jannatul Bakia Jeni is a lecturer in Sociology at the Bangladesh University of Professionals.
