‘With influence comes responsibility’

Nagaland Influencers Summit highlights need for integrity in digital space

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 18

Envisaged as the first structured platform for influencers, content creators, and youth entrepreneurs in Nagaland, the first-ever Nagaland Influencers Summit 2025 began today at The Heritage, Kohima, under the theme “Where Influence Meets Reality, Culture & Progress.”

Recognising that with influence comes responsibility, the initiative, presented by Bostimanu Entertainment, aims to promote ethical influence, purposeful creativity, and professional growth that benefits youth, society, and the state.

The responsibility that influencers carry as journalists and content creators was also deliberated upon during a panel talk on “Digital and Social Media Responsibility and Ethical Awareness.” The panel comprised Imkong Walling, Principal Correspondent, The Morung Express; Kallol Dey, Senior Journalist and Google News Initiative Trainer (Fact Check & Fake News Verification); Dr Wapangsungla Longkumer, Guest Faculty, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, Nagaland University, Lumami, and Co-Principal Investigator, ICSSR Research Project; and Libeni Z. Ezung, Lifestyle & Fashion Content Creator, Makeup Artist and Mukbang Vlogger. It was moderated by Adila Longkumer and Anen Longchar, both from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

‘Don’t take advantage of the influence you have’
As someone who works in print media, also referred to as ‘traditional media,’ Imkong Walling remarked that the explosion of social media and the rise of digital creators has been very disruptive. While this caters to people’s thirst for information, he acknowledged the struggle to transition from print to digital.

He noted that the way people now consume digital content has sidelined print media, which hits the stands only the next day. However, this delay, he said, also allows print journalists to reflect and think deeply instead of rushing to publish sensational headlines.

Expressing concern over the ethical aspect, Walling said traditional media operates within a framework of ethics, and electronic media has self-regulatory bodies, whereas social media content lacks such regulation. While he felt that regulating the internet or social media would not be right or justified, he strongly opined that “it’s time that content creators themselves come and study how the traditional media has functioned so far.”

He underscored the importance of authenticity and the need to credit original creators when using someone else’s work. Affirming that he plays by the rules in his profession, he advised influencers not to take advantage of their influence but to be guided by truth.

For journalists and content creators to work together in creating a better society, Walling suggested shedding professional pride, reconciling differences, and developing a written code of conduct to create positive influence in society.

‘Influence without integrity is simply noise’
Highlighting that “being authentic and being true” are vital values even in the age of viral content, Kallol Dey asserted that “influence without integrity is simply noise.”

He noted that while traditional media goes through editorial checks, content creators can go viral with something inaccurate—something that does not happen in traditional journalism. “It’s a huge pressure for influencers today,” he said, stressing that misinformation spreads like wildfire and its effects don’t end with deleting a post.

Describing misinformation as a “plague and an epidemic,” Dey urged influencers to understand the immense responsibility they carry. “Verify, take your time, cool down — you might be a few seconds late, but the information you share won’t harm anybody,” he advised.

“To all people who hold influence in one way or another,” he said, “you are powerful people. Use your influence to impart empathy.” Citing instances where content creators push microphones into the faces of labourers or the marginalised, he added, “Don’t humiliate, don’t put down people just because you have the power to influence.”

‘We have to be digitally literate and maintain digital hygiene’
As social media users, Dr Wapangsungla Longkumer emphasised that “we have to be digitally literate.”

“It is very important for all of us, as social media users, to take a few seconds and think before posting anything—Is it true? Is it necessary?” she said.

She added that creators must be aware of what they are putting out for public viewing, stressing that “being mindful of how you portray yourself out there is equally important.”

Dr Longkumer also highlighted the importance of maintaining digital hygiene, cautioning that oversharing personal information makes one vulnerable to cyberattacks.

‘Be honest, be transparent, be responsible’
As an influencer, Libeni Z. Ezung underscored three ethical codes that influencers should follow—honesty, transparency, and responsibility.

Acknowledging that influencers shape how people think, she urged them to be honest in promoting only what they believe in, transparent by disclosing paid or sponsored collaborations, and responsible by fact-checking information, especially on topics beyond lifestyle and food.

“This is not to take away the creativity of influencers,” she said, adding that adhering to ethics helps maintain the trust of followers.

Ezung also noted that “your page is personal but also public,” which she described as one of the hardest challenges of being an influencer. Keeping a balance is key, she said, while reiterating the importance of being honest, respectful, and mindful that one’s words do not hurt others.