Reflections of a Facebook user

The Youngblood articles “Why I do not use Facebook (anymore)” (Opinion, 3/6/14) by Audrey Dacquel and “Unfriend” (Opinion, 3/18/14) by Cindy Paras Sicat were enjoyable and relatable reads that made me reflect on my Facebook habits. I then recalled a Rina Jimenez-David article some years ago, where she said that a social networking site gives the user a chance to make his existence in this world acknowledged by others (or something to that effect).

There was a time when I was quite proud of myself for what I believed (or convinced myself to believe) was my mature and tempered way of using Facebook. “Unlike most others online,” I told myself smugly, “I post stuff on my wall infrequently.” For quite a while, I succeeded in practicing self-restraint, partly because I did not want others to think I was seeking attention (papansin). In particular, I avoided posting my two cents’ worth about current events lest I come across as a know-it-all (with half-baked opinions regarding serious issues). I still don’t, as I would rather read than opine on them.

But with time, I became a more spontaneous Facebook user, because, I must admit, Facebook is fun. “Facebook-ing” has also become a way for me to unwind at night after a long, tiring day. Most of all, I discovered its wonders as a self-promotional tool that serves me well in my work as a voiceover talent.

However, I’ve had my share of “online inanities” these past few years. Foremost of which was the status update “The toilet bowl is waiting to be fed,” which I posted one boring evening two or three years ago. I thought it was very clever and funny, but when it remained ignored some 10 minutes later (not a single like or comment), I deleted it and felt embarrassed, realizing how indiscreet and gross it actually was. (What the hell was I thinking?!) Then sometime in April 2012, as I was scrolling down my wall, I reviewed my status updates from the preceding weeks and found them to be quite juvenile and silly. Cringing with shame, I considered disabling my account for good, but ultimately decided against it, remembering how being on Facebook benefited me professionally.

Facebook and other networking sites serve various purposes for its countless users the world over. The more I use it, the more open I become to other people’s diverse “trips.” “Walang basagan ng trip,” as the saying goes. Needless to say, I’m not for an intolerant, judgmental, malicious, uppity, and uptight reaction to other netizens’ habits of sharing harmless personal stuff online. I do gain some pleasure at seeing the developments in, and glimpses of, my friends’ lives (especially those who are now abroad) via their pictures and status updates. But on our part as users, let’s make sure that we are able to stand by whatever thought, photo, personal video or whatnot we choose to put out there in cyberspace. Let’s not be so reckless in using them as to put ourselves or others in a fix. Think before posting or commenting online.

—CLAUDE LUCAS C. DESPABILADERAS,

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