Versace on the floor

Are you afraid of zombies?”

“Yes, I am! What? If you happen to have acquaintance with a zombie? Do you expect me to laugh?”

I was just scrolling through my Facebook news feed when I happened to read the “LeniLeaks” report, which by the way is so horrifying that they have to go to that extent—if it was entirely true. But I doubt it. Why? Because much like in the real world, you can’t trust anyone or anything on social media.

I know that while you’re reading this you might be labeling me as “dilawan” or “ka-DDS,” but actually I am just a concerned citizen of the republic. Now let’s go back: Do I have enough grounds to tell whether a report is proven or a hoax? No. I am not a professional journalist, but I do research. Take note that everything (including reports, drawings, pictures, etc.) on the internet can be written, made and/or manipulated by anybody since it is the only place unregulated by any authority.

Okay, I’ve gone too far. Maybe you are mistaking me as a paid hack ordered to write this. Nope, no money involved here. I am just tired of seeing “zombies” on Facebook insulting or defending persons who don’t even know them. And don’t you ever tell me with your “inner ear” to deactivate my account because what is happening in social media is actually happening in reality (read with a bitch’s voice).

I just want to say: Stop this madness. Pretty please. Can we have a decent and silent life on social media, just like what we want in reality? I mean, it is okay to criticize, but doing so to the extent of hurting other people’s dignity is sick. Haven’t we noticed that we are, I mean you are, spreading negativity by throwing insults, threatening lives, making memes of enemies, etc? Even news reports on a Christmas tree lighting ceremony or on the increase in the Social Security System pension are full of negative comments posted by these sick zombies of both the “dilawan” and “ka-DDS.”

Stop spreading hoax information. In that way, we will maintain the “cleanliness” of our individual social accounts.

As to the question “Are you afraid of zombies?” my reply is: Yes, I am! I am afraid of zombies, or those spreading fake news just to defend their master and attack the other. I am afraid that these zombies in both camps may cause a civil war, with hoaxes as grounds. I am afraid that through these zombies, our dearly beloved country will be destroyed. I now I ask you this: Are you still not afraid of zombies?

P.S. The title of this piece is just a favorite song title of mine. Deal with it.

Christian Barral, 22, is an instructor at Cebu Eastern College.