BORDERLESS

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BY RHODA GARZON CAMPILLAN
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Jaded FB user

I AM AN avid newsreader online via my Facebook account. Before I go to sleep, I update myself with the current events.

Lately, however, I became disinterested with the news. Why? The reason is the negativity all over the social media. News stories’ slants are virulent. And so, news give me a headache.

Recently, FB users were debating unhealthily regarding their stands on the burial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Negativity is all over the social media platforms.

I hate it. This is not supposed to be. Gone are the days when people debate with respect. Now people just carelessly throw angry words without thinking of the consequences after. I mean, we can express our opinions all right, but we have to make sure we are not stepping on other people’s toes.

Social media was created (I suppose) to encourage people to use their voices positively to influence others. It was not conceptualized to make users go on a word war with one another.

Users nowadays are becoming too emotional. If a person expresses his own beliefs online contrary to those of others, he is bashed immediately. I am aware that there are trolls lurking online waiting for their prey. Legitimate users fall to their prey and then spread negativity all over Facebook. I wish all of these would stop because it makes me and the other users puke – literally.

Why can’t we just respect the opinions of others? Why can’t we just do our own thing? I suppose these are difficult to do. Some of the “fanatics” have imbibe the negative energy already and choose to close their eyes to reality. It is never fun to argue with somebody even if you think you are right. Facebook is not the right place to confront others. If you continue to push your ideals to others online, it will just make matters worse.

What I really hate about the recent turn of events on Facebook is that some users who are anti-Marcos brand those who are not voicing out their stand on the issue as “apathetic”, “not thinking”, “bad people”, among others. This is unfair. Every individual is unique and each has his own way of expressing disgust or anger. Posting one’s stand online is not the be-all and end-all of everything.

I am also disappointed and disheartened that Martial Law victims were insulted when President Marcos was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. However, it is not in my nature to post online and tell the whole world my feelings. I would rather keep it to myself. Others have no right to judge me if I say this because I am just being true to myself. No one can push me to do something, which I do not like.

I respect the sentiments of everyone, I really do. I am hoping that they will also respect others. At the end of the day, we are one nation. Bullying, bashing and insulting will not do any good to any of us. It will just worsen the situation and create division.

Yes, Facebook is one place where we can articulate our deepest sentiments. However, let us do it responsibly. Being responsible is to be trusted to do what is right or to do the things that are expected or required.

To respect is to act in a way which shows that you are aware of someone’s rights and wishes. If all users are aware of these values and live these ideals then there is hope for a brighter, cleaner and healthier exchange of ideas on Facebook.

For now, I will avoid negativity online. I am happy that Facebook has an option to “hide” something you do not want to see on your timeline. I am using that option most of the time because I want to live my life happy and stress-free.

My mantra now is to continue to live by #goodvibessonly and #spreadthelove in all of my online activities./PN
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