Kunal Kapoor on social media: 'Angrier, distracted, more cynical'
Synopsis
Kunal Kapoor’s candid X post about social media leaving him ‘angrier, distracted and more cynical’ has resonated widely — and it lands a pointed critique at the algorithm itself. His framing of social feeds as ‘the editorial board of your brain’ is arguably the sharpest celebrity commentary on platform design to emerge from Bollywood this year.
Key Takeaways
Kunal Kapoor posted on X on 10 August that social media leaves him feeling ‘angrier, distracted and more cynical’ each time he logs off.
He warned that algorithms ‘build your worldview out of the most vile and depressing stuff’ to keep users ‘outraged, scared, and scrolling’.
Followers widely agreed, with one noting just 20 minutes on the platform creates a sense that ‘nothing is right about the country’.
Kapoor is set to play Lord Indra in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana , releasing in two parts in Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027 .
He was last seen in Ek Din alongside Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan .
Actor Kunal Kapoor has spoken candidly about the psychological toll of social media, admitting on 10 August that he routinely feels “angrier, distracted and more cynical” after spending time on these platforms. The Rang De Basanti star shared his thoughts directly on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a wave of agreement from followers.
What Kunal Kapoor Said
In his post, Kapoor wrote: “Every time I get off social media, I feel angrier, distracted and more cynical. Got to make sure you follow the right people. It’s basically the editorial board of your brain. Otherwise, the algorithm will build your worldview out of the most vile and depressing stuff it can find. To keep you outraged, scared, and scrolling.”
The observation cuts to a concern that behavioural researchers have long flagged: recommendation algorithms are optimised for engagement, not wellbeing, and outrage tends to drive the highest interaction rates.
How Followers Responded
Reactions to the post were largely supportive. One user wrote, “Totally. Just twenty minutes in, and I feel like there is nothing right about the country.” Another simply replied, “Agreed.” The thread reflects a growing public conversation in India about digital wellness and the influence of platform design on everyday mood and perception.
The Broader Context
Kapoor’s remarks arrive at a time when screen-time anxiety is increasingly mainstream. Notably, several Indian celebrities and public figures have either taken social media breaks or spoken out about algorithmic influence in recent months, underlining that the concern is not confined to tech circles. Critics argue that platforms have a commercial incentive to maximise scroll time, often at the cost of users’ mental equilibrium.
Kunal Kapoor’s Upcoming Work
On the professional front, Kapoor is set to portray Lord Indra in the highly anticipated epic Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, with an ensemble that also includes Sunny Deol, Lara Dutta, Rakul Preet Singh, Vivek Oberoi, Arun Govil, Ravie Dubey, Indira Krishnan, and Sheeba Chaddha. The saga releases in two parts — the first during Diwali 2026, the second during Diwali 2027.
Kapoor, who began his career as an assistant director before debuting as an actor in M.F. Husain’s 2004 film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities, rose to national prominence with Rang De Basanti alongside Aamir Khan. He was most recently seen in Ek Din, directed by Sunil Pandey, co-starring Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan.
Point of View
And it comes from someone with a large, impressionable following. What is notable is that he stops short of calling for a boycott and instead advocates curation, which is a more realistic ask. The real question mainstream coverage sidesteps is accountability: Indian regulators have yet to meaningfully address algorithmic harm, while platforms continue to profit from the outrage loop Kapoor describes.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kunal Kapoor say about social media?
Kunal Kapoor said on X that he feels ‘angrier, distracted and more cynical’ every time he gets off social media. He described social feeds as ‘the editorial board of your brain’ and warned that algorithms push the most outrage-inducing content to keep users scrolling.
Why does Kunal Kapoor think social media is harmful?
Kapoor argues that recommendation algorithms are designed to keep users engaged by surfacing ‘vile and depressing’ content that triggers outrage and fear. He suggests that curating who you follow is the only practical defence against this effect.
What film is Kunal Kapoor appearing in next?
Kunal Kapoor is set to play Lord Indra in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, an epic releasing in two parts — Part 1 during Diwali 2026 and Part 2 during Diwali 2027. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash in the lead roles.
Who is Kunal Kapoor?
Kunal Kapoor is a Mumbai-based actor best known for his role in the 2006 blockbuster Rang De Basanti alongside Aamir Khan. He began his career as an assistant director and made his acting debut in M.F. Husain’s 2004 film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities.
How did people react to Kunal Kapoor’s social media post?
The post drew widespread agreement. One user said that just 20 minutes on social media makes them feel ‘there is nothing right about the country,’ while others simply echoed his sentiment. The thread highlighted growing public concern about the mental health impact of algorithmic feeds.
