An 18-year-old influencer, Riva Arora, recently got trolled after announcing that she received an Honorary Doctorate In Digital Influence and Women Empowerment. Here's what happened.
The world of the internet has brought forward the profession of influencers who impact the online audience with their content. But, sometimes, it also creates new questions about the growing trend. Recently, an 18-year-old influencer, Riva Arora, created one such stir. The popular influencer who rose to fame through her acting prospects transitioned into being a social media influencer at a young age. At this young age, she recently announced that she has received an honorary doctorate, leaving netizens furious.
Riva Arora is one of the country's richest child actors and influencers. She has also worked as a model and creates content about her lifestyle, fashion, etc. The influencer recently took to her Instagram handle and announced that she has received an honorary doctorate in digital influence and women empowerment from Adi Shankar Vedic University. She also shared some photos of receiving the honour in a red academic dress and cap along with the announcement. Calling it a dream come true, she penned:
"Reaching this milestone is a dream come true, and I couldn't be more proud of what I've achieved. Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Digital Influence & Women's Empowerment "In Recognition of Exceptional Leadership in Digital Media, Inspiring Millions, and Pioneering Women's Empowerment at a Remarkably Young Age."
For those unaware, Riva's age has always been an aspect of controversies. Some netizens alleged that Riva is around 14 or 15, in the context of her acting projects. But, some internet websites claim that she was born in February 2006, which makes her 18 years old. However, there is no confirmation about it. Given her young age and controversial career as an influencer, her announcement has created a stir online.
See the post here.
When Riva Arora shared the announcement of her honorary doctorate with her followers, netizens were quick to spot the post and troll her. One user criticised her academic potential and commented, "Kabhi tuition ya school bhi gayi hai." Another netizen questioned her age and asked, "Isn't she 14?" with a crying emoji. One person called out the university and their decision to give her an honorary doctorate and commented:
"Seriously iss age mein bhi PhD degree de rahe hain followers ke wajah se. PhD degree ko bhi mazak bana diya hai. Shame on this system and this university who gave this. Just rich people get any degree, no talent."
At the same time, some Reddit users expressed their anger over the move. One Redditor mentioned, "I have been revising one of my manuscripts for months now. And now they are distributing doctorate like toffees." Another Reddit user called out her age and mentioned:
"There has been speculation around her age, maybe she is 17-18. Not more than that. It's an honorary degree, but still. Doctor of philosophy in digital influence and women empowerment. What empowerment?? Who is she empowering? I am no hater, but I am furious right now."
Riva Arora is a famous child actor, model, and content creator. She rose to popularity with her roles in films like Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Rockstar and more. After beginning her career as an influencer, she was embroiled in a controversy when she shot a romantic video for her Instagram with Karan Kundrra in 2022. She was 16, and he was 38 years old, and fans criticised their age gap. Later, a complaint was filed with NCPCR's (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) and her mother, Nisha Arora, apologised to everyone, calling it a mistake. Even her mother has been accused of using synthetic growth hormones on Riva, but there is no concrete evidence in the case.
What do you think about netizens trolling Riva Arora for her honorary doctorate?
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