Seema Debnath on Plunging into Content Feeds With a Safety Net

DIMAPUR — Motivated by a belief that education can change the direction of a young person’s life, Seema Debnath has built her journey around that conviction, both as an educator and as an emerging content creator. Growing up, she witnessed how one encouraging teacher could help students believe in themselves, a realisation that shaped her purpose early on. Over time, she discovered her calling to become that kind of mentor, someone who helps students gain clarity, confidence, and purpose.

She completed her schooling at St. Paul Higher Secondary School, followed by higher secondary studies at Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School. Later, she graduated from SD Jain Girls’ College, where she developed a strong interest in Business, Communication, and Marketing. During this phase, her fascination with consumer behaviour and brand psychology took root, leading her to pursue an MBA from ICFAI University with a specialisation in Marketing and HR.

Although she began her professional career in the corporate and banking sector, she soon realised that it did not align with her long-term purpose. The defining moment came when she chose mental well-being over a higher salary and transitioned into academia.

Also read: The Impact of Online Learning on Academic Performance of College Students

Today, as an assistant professor in the Department of Management Studies at C-edge College, Seema teaches Marketing and related subjects. She mentors students, offers career guidance, and helps them develop the confidence needed to succeed in their professional lives. Alongside her teaching career, she also creates digital content centred on lifestyle, self-growth, communication skills, and healthy habits—allowing her to connect with a broader youth audience.

In this interview with Eastern Mirror, Seema shares her experiences as an emerging content creator and the lessons she hopes young professionals can draw.

For a student reading this, how would you define spontaneous content creation? Is it truly unplanned, or is there a method to the madness?

For me, spontaneous content creation simply means capturing life as it is happening. It looks unplanned from the outside, but there is always a small intention behind it. I don’t script everything—I just express what feels real in that moment. The “method” is honesty. If I feel something, I share it. If something inspires me, I record it. It’s not chaos; it’s raw authenticity.

You are a professor while being an emerging digital entertainer. How do these two identities coexist, and do they ever conflict?

They coexist because both identities come from the same place—my desire to connect with people. In the classroom, I connect through teaching. Online, I connect through storytelling, motivation, and lifestyle content. Yes, sometimes they conflict. As a professor, I have to maintain a certain discipline and responsibility. As a digital creator, I enjoy being more expressive. But I’ve learned to balance them by being mindful of what I put out. My digital identity never crosses the line of professionalism.

Many struggle to find their “voice”. How did you discover that spontaneous/lifestyle content was your niche?

I discovered it because I didn’t start with the goal of “becoming a creator”. I started because I needed to share. I believed that if my story, my struggles, or my healing journey could reach even one person who needed it, it was worth posting. Slowly, I realised that people connected with my raw, everyday life content. That’s how my niche found me—naturally, through my own experiences.

Initially, how did your academic colleagues react to your digital presence? Has the stigma changed?

At first, there was hesitation and curiosity. People wondered why a professor would post online. But over time, as they saw my content helping students, motivating young people, and staying respectful, the perception changed. Today, the stigma is much less. Educators can be creators too—we don’t have to limit ourselves to one identity.

Is content creation a viable full-time career for a young person in Nagaland, or should it remain a side hustle?

It can be full-time only if you have consistency, skills, and a strong niche. In Nagaland, opportunities are growing but still limited compared to big metros. So my honest advice is :Start it as a side hustle. Build your base. Finish your studies. Get a skill or degree. Once you’re stable and earning well, then you can decide if you want to go full-time.

How can a young creator overcome the fear of judgement?

By remembering one thing: People will judge you whether you do something or do nothing. So at least do what makes you happy. And the truth is, fear reduces only when you take action. The more you post, the more confidence you gain. Silence doesn’t remove fear—showing up does.

What are the top three soft skills a student needs to succeed in this field?

Consistency – because one viral video doesn’t build a career. Communication – your ability to connect with people matters. Adaptability – trends change every week; you must be open to learning and experimenting.

Does being based in Dimapur affect the type of brand deals you get compared to creators in metros?

Yes, it does. Brands in metros get more visibility and opportunities. But at the same time, brands are now realising the power of regional creators. I may not get the same quantity of deals as metro creators, but I do get quality collaborations because my audience is genuine and engaged.

How important is it for young creators to finish their education before going full-time?

Very important. Social media is unpredictable. One month you may go viral, and the next month your reach may drop. But your degree will always stay with you. Education gives stability and confidence. I always tell students to complete their studies. Build your future first. Then build your content creation career on top of it.

When you have hundreds of young students watching, how do you decide what not to post? Where do you draw the line?

I draw the line by reminding myself that many of my viewers are students who look up to me. I only post content that aligns with one message I deeply believe in:If you want something, go for it. You cannot fail unless you try. I avoid anything that can misguide or create the wrong impression. That’s my boundary.

Mental health is a major concern in this field. How do you handle negative comments? What advice do you have for students who take online hate personally?

Earlier, negative comments affected me. Now they don’t—because I realised that people project their pain onto others. Not every comment deserves your emotional energy. To students, I want to say: If someone mocks you for trying, it says more about them than about you. Focus on the people you are helping, not the people trying to pull you down.

How do you see the digital creator ecosystem evolving in Nagaland specifically?

Nagaland is growing digitally. Young people here are creative, expressive, and confident. Local brands are starting to trust regional creators, events are increasing, and students are becoming more open to using social media as a platform for expression and income. I believe Nagaland will soon become a strong hub for lifestyle, fashion, and cultural content—if creators remain consistent and professional.

RAPID INSIGHTS

Classroom or camera: which makes you more alive?

Both — they bring out two different versions of me that I equally love.

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

 #GoForIt — because I truly believe you cannot fail unless you try.

Shorts/reels or long-form: which do you prefer watching?

Depends on the type of information I am looking for.