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[av_heading heading=’Second chance ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY RHODA GARZON-CAMPILLAN
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THIS generation is very lucky to be born in an era where everything is fast and easy. Research can be done in seconds by typing your desired topic in an internet search engine. During my time, I had to browse through thousands of books in the library before I could get hold of the one needed for my topic.
Dating can be done through online chat. Inhibitions can be prevented because it is a mediated communication. Traditional courtship happens when a guy brings flowers to a girl he likes or visits the girl in her home. Now a guy who likes a girl can send an image of a flower through online chat. Intimacy is not felt because communication happens online.
Teenagers are also very open with their feelings. If they feel they want to react negatively, they have no qualms expressing it online. They usually end their post with #justsaying. They are not afraid of judgment because at the back of their minds they are firm that what they said is merely a reaction.
However, there is a danger with too much openness. You might say something you will regret later.
Just like what happened last Monday; a student posted in Facebook that somebody tried to abduct her while going home. Her post created panic among netizens. The last time I checked before she deactivated her account, the post earned approximately 6,000 likes and numerous comments of fear, anxiety and concern.
The viral post created pandemonium among Ilonggos both young and old. But just last night, I read a post from one of the radio stations. It described as a hoax what this student posted; that she manufactured the story to get her parents’ attention.
In this particular issue, I will zero in on social media responsibility. This is one of my advocacies – to educate citizens on media literacy and responsible use of media.
Netizens, in general, should think first before posting anything on Facebook. They should remember that Facebook has a vast audience. Your post can reach multitudes of people through sharing. It has a domino effect. If I post something and my friend saw this, she can share it to her wall and then her friend will see this and will share it too. Before you know it, the whole world knows what you wrote.
A responsible social media user is wary of what he writes. He is aware of the impact of his message. He knows, whether he like it or not, that he needs to say the truth at all cost. A conscientious social media user knows that his purpose of using Facebook is for the common good and not to create terror or anxiety to others.
This is easier said than done as what others would probably say. But I stand my ground on this issue. What the student did was an irresponsible use of social media. She is aware that this platform will help her convey her message to her parents but she involved others to achieve her personal goals.
There are a lot of options available but perhaps the student has nowhere to go and that was why she resorted to this act to the point of compromising her values and self-respect.
But I will not judge the student. I do not know here she is coming from. I am not aware of her pains and sufferings. Instead of bashing her and throw hurtful words to her, let us give her the chance to redeem herself.
Though what she did was wrong, who are we to demean her persona? She needs counseling and she needs all the support she can get. When she is prepared to face the consequences of what she did, that is the right time to re-educate her on social media responsibility.
In conclusion, this is an empowered generation. They feel they can do anything. They feel indispensable. However, they need to know their limits. They should know their boundaries otherwise the power they have will just be wasted.
This generation is considered to be an enabler of change, an active participant in pushing a cause (environment, human rights, gender, among others). It should use this motivation to inspire others, not cause alarm and harm to anyone. Push for a cause that will help bring the issues to the right forum and not create an issue for one’s own gratification.
Being a social media responsible person can be traced back to one’s values. If a person puts high premium to his or her values, then he or she should be careful with his or her words and actions. No matter how unpleasant our parents are, at the end of the day they are still our parents, they know what is best for us. Grab the opportunity to talk to them and air out your problems instead of posting them online. If we are uncomfortable talking to our parents, our good friends can perhaps serve as our outlets and support system.
The student is lucky nothing bad happened to her. She should learn a lesson out of this experience. Who knows through this nightmare, she will end up a better person. And I believe she deserves a second chance./PN
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