Escapism or Hope?
With the world engulfed in more turmoil with each passing day, people naturally turn to online entertainment for a reprieve from the chaos surrounding them. Musicians, actors, and performers across all industries have taken to social media to put on shows for mass audiences. These efforts were met with mixed receptions from the public, with many finding genuine comfort in the videos and others dismissing them as vanity projects in which wealthy celebrities condescend their significantly poorer viewers. Counteracting the skepticism, however, is the growing popularity of once-hidden talent.
A prime example of a lesser-known entertainer bringing joy with her online videos is roller skater Oumi Janta, whose skating lessons have gained traction on Instagram. Reminiscent of the roller disco scene of the 1970s, Janta performs various skating feats to upbeat music, interspersing impressive dance moves throughout the spectacle. After years of uploading these instructional videos, she has garnered adoring fans who are awed by her skills and enticed to begin skating themselves. Janta’s relationship with her audience truly feels reciprocal, as she engages viewers in a manner that uplifts them rather than attempt to placate them with hollow platitudes. Now that online content creators have more eyes on them than ever before, each of them has the opportunity to cultivate even larger followings.
Report: Nia Hunt
