Use social media for the greater good

Rizal Day, in honor of our national hero, was commemorated on Dec. 30.

In our nation’s history, his name can never be removed as one of the greatest Filipino heroes who fought hard for freedom from the hands of Spanish colonizers.

I am rooting for the youth of today to uphold the value Rizal imparted about loving our nation. With advancements in technology, today’s young generation is becoming more empowered than ever through social media. Anyone can now voice out their thoughts with just a tap or click on their screens.

But with this power comes great responsibility—to analyze and think first before posting. Social media is a very diverse virtual world consisting of people from all ages and walks of life. I am urging people to use social media to advocate for peace instead of just merely ranting and posting negative matters on the web. This way, we can have a social media that is more positive, more encouraging and more peaceful.
Jose Rizal may not have had social media during his time, but he knew how to use his pen and brain in his life’s work to free us. The same goes with us all today. We have to learn to embrace the fact that we are what we say. If all we say is negative—about our neighbors, friends or the government—we become no better than the terrorists and rebels who just exist to be antagonists of progress in this country.

We do not have to destroy one another. Instead, we have to do our own share in nationbuilding, that we, too, can become heroes in our own right.

CHISSAN RAE BALDERAS,
[email protected]