Whenever a blockbuster hit, a movie that many fans have long been waiting for, or a new episode of a widely popular show is released, social media’s silent majority stays calm – and then there are those rare instances, unfortunately some of which might be your friends on social media, who decide to spoil all the fun. What would be your initial reaction?
Social Media Influencer Ion Gonzaga, popularly known as ‘Boy Dubai’ here in the UAE, shares that it’s during these instances where the urge to create impulsive comments grows enough for the individual to take action and do the deed: “We all have the tendency to be impulsive. So if somebody is posting spoilers, we suddenly want to jump in and be part of conversations, we fear missing out: FOMO.”
However, he also said that the comments left in the wake of those urges are those which may not have an initial impact, but may pose a bigger problem on your social footprint later on: “Eventually with that kind of mindset, we may to say something that may hurt someone unintentionally,” explains Gonzaga.
What should I do?
During a panel at the recently held 7th edition of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition moderated by The Filipino Times General Manager Vince Ang, Gonzaga admitted that he has also experienced those urges to leave comments but has since developed the habit to think things over before posting.
“For me what I do is take a step back, although sometimes kating-kati ka na mag comment o gumawa ng video. Think twice, thrice or whatsoever and look at it in a different, new perspective.” explains Gonzaga.
What if I do decide to leave a comment?
In the occasion that you really can’t help but give them a piece of your mind, Gonzaga advises to still take a step back and reorganize your thoughts before hitting that ‘post’ button. “You can always tell something and say your opinion in a way that will not harm, hurt, or step on somebody. That’s what I do, and that’s how I write in Boy Dubai,” shares Gonzaga.
