India, July 22 -- An Instagram reel has reignited the debate over whether features such as reflexology paths, amphitheatres and outdoor chess boards are genuine value additions or simply marketing tools that help projects stand out.

The viral reel argues that several amenities commonly highlighted in project brochures see little use after residents move in. According to the creator, many of these facilities are inexpensive to build but help developers advertise a higher number of amenities. While many social media users agreed with the observations, others defended these features, saying their utility depends on the community, age profile of residents and how actively the housing society uses shared spaces.

The creator describes the amp...