Apply GMRC in virtual world

I think the problem is that some people do not really understand common practices, social behavior, protocol, and etiquette in this new world of social media and mobile communications.

Some people would invoke their freedom of expression and right to free speech, but as in everything else, life in a democracy and the rest of the free world is a two-way street.

No one can deny that we have our own rights, but let us not forget that other people have rights, too, even if they may be below us in social standing. For example, we may have the right to make noise, but others also have the right to peace and quiet. We may have the right to post anything in a Viber group for instance, but others also have the right to complain if the posted messages are “off-topic,” or are not consistent with the purpose of the chat group.

The bottom line is, if we want other people to respect our rights, we have to respect the rights of others, too. In the virtual world as well as the real world, good manners and right conduct are still applicable and these will never go out of style. When television sets were invented, we hoped that these could be used for the good of humankind, and for the progress of society, but instead, these became the idiot boxes. Let us not allow that to happen to this newer technology of social media and mobile communications.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES,

director,

Philippine Charity

Sweepstakes Office