Be careful of what you see

By Joshua Corcuera

It’s the year 2021—what a wonderful time to be alive, isn’t it? We have the technology, we can communicate with so many people in an instant, we can have fun through our phones, play games, listen to music, watch movies, and so on. You might even be reading this article online. We live in the modern world, a world where technology has vastly changed the environment we live in and, in the process of doing so, humanity. The point of inquiry, however, is how technology has changed us? Have we changed for the better or for the worse?

There is no doubt as to the wonders of technology. As I mentioned above, our lives became easier, we can do our jobs in a convenient manner. Gone were the days where one had to go to the post office to send a letter to a loved one or a companion far, far away. You can just connect to the internet and even chat with others through video—you can see one another through your phones in real-time.

It is naïve and biased, though, to say that the consequences of technology and the internet to the real world are all positive. A coin has two sides, after all. We have to accept the harsh reality that the technology we use for the betterment of our lives is also being used by some to advance personal interests. Technology has also been weaponized by some to satisfy their selfish, sinister intentions.

On the internet of our country, let’s admit it, fake news and disinformation are everywhere. So much so that reliable sources are being disputed so much by so many people. And this is not an isolated case here in the Philippines. Even in the developed world, people counter experts to stick with their beliefs—not conceding defeat, not accepting that their arguments stand on murky foundations.

For example, thousands in America and Europe believe that the world is flat. Yes, I know it sounds funny but it’s a real thing. In fact, face masks have been labeled by some westerners as ineffective in fighting the coronavirus. Rather, they see face masks as a symbol of oppression, a symbol that erodes their freedom. While I believe that freedom and human rights are of utmost importance, it is preposterous and illogical to say that face masks are oppressive and detrimental to freedom—especially that they scientifically protect us from contracting illnesses.

Here in our country, many people believe in what they merely see or watch or listen to on the internet—without assessing further the reliability of what they digest, without thinking critically of all perspectives available. People would rather believe in fabricated and manipulated stories of history, current affairs, and even in science and medicine, if such stories conform with their beliefs. It is sickening that experts who dedicated their lives to studying were labeled by people online with derogatory terms.

To you, dear reader, I frankly say to you that critical thinking, further analysis and evaluation of facts, opinions, and perspectives, are more important than seeing whatever you see on the internet. Simply because one thing is filled with drama and passion means it is more reliable than boring charts of data and statistics. As a human person, we must remain open and critical at all times. After all, learning is a lifelong process.