There Must Be Privacy Laws Delimiting the Use of Social Media

April 19, 2023April 20, 20231 Comment

It is all about keeping order and integrity.

*opinion shared from the POV of a media practitioner

written by Anna Liza VB

If there is Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Access to Information–with the first right, recognized as indomitable to a free nation; and the latter to ensure transparency among public servants and government transactions; there is also a nuance founded in legality, that can be explored to preserve responsible media work and ensure continued freedom of the press that’s founded on respect for privacy.

With the easy media streaming feature of gadgets today; the proliferation of vlogs that encourage personal share upload/s even for non-public officials and celebrities; and a hunger for social media engagement, come a pressing need to update privacy laws in the country.

A privacy law that would ensure that personal space and home privacy are not violated for the sake of popularity, or to propagate an exploitative “ICYMO” mentality among the young.

The abundance of sites that grow viral stories about private individuals, show no hilt and has long gone outside acceptable social limits that honor respect and courtesy– almost to a point of espousing “junkyard” news, and features.

Or stories that are loaded on human interest angle but tend to dehumanize real people’s feelings and sensitivities; make trivial of what is supposed to be genuine conversations and interactions; and purvey a lack of consideration for neutrality or esteem for a middle-ground of ideas and opinion.

In a country that hyper bloats its love for the freedom of the press, now the value of the hardworking press, has been pushed to the bottom gears; while the ordinary servers of media have been shoved to a “calculating” numbers game for high likers and followers that ensure views.

Whereas before it is the “trained” press that yielded such practice, now the privilege has been democratized for the enjoyment of ordinary netizens. Or vloggers and influencers who may not necessarily have the right education or the right focus to pursue “ethical” news media or even entertainment media work that demands agility of “opinion balancing” and a capacity to look at all ideas, not only to generate a clickthrough or gain additional follows but to avoid sensationalism as well.

Social media these days are overvalued. Its popularity is rooted in satisfying people’s emotional need for attention; to be popular or to gain that “privileged access” to “super media” that can make way for elusive work and attainment of personal goals and ambition.

Such exercise of power by non-media trained people, can stunt the integrity and affect the privacy of individuals who may value their time away from the camera work of social media fans and consumers.

THUS, WE NEED TO RETHINK WHAT VALUES WE HOLD ENOUGH TO DEFY THE PRIVACY OF THE HOME AND OF PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS.

In our yearning to work or express our truths, SOCIAL MEDIA must still respect the privacy of OTHERS if we want to keep our peace even IF WE THINK IT IS NOT WELL-DESERVED OR EARNED.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece, and not “paid content” of a specific individual, group, or advertiser. Thank you.

Please keep on reading Fated to Write by Anna.

No part of this blog may be downloaded, copied, or shared whether in print or electronically without this writer’s expressed permission.

One response to “There Must Be Privacy Laws Delimiting the Use of Social Media”

How to Lose Friends On Social Media – Fated To Write by Anna

April 20, 2023

[…] before you continue reading this post, you might want to read my latest post on: There Must Be Privacy Laws Delimiting the Use of Social Media. Or please go over the rest of my tips on, “3 Easy Ways to Lose Friends On Social […]

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Fated To Write by Anna

a mom's writing haven which tackles many contemporary issues, and shares some great tips on freelance and creative writing and more.

Finding Honesty in Social Media

November 18, 2021November 24, 2021Leave a comment

So much. So soon. Such favor.

LET’S TALK HONESTY IN SOCIAL MEDIA TO DRIVE POPULARITY

Check your photos.
Your relationship status.
Your show and tell.

Disclaimer: This article does not intend to put any individual, group, association, any person with a particular belief, religion, profession, or industry affiliation in a negative light.

Readers who do not identify with the same opinion are free to surf out from reading this article.

This is an opinion piece and the writer does not represent any political, religious, ideological, or professional views in publishing this piece.

The writer holds that this is merely written to better the content of social media for kids to teen readers who have freeway access to social media and internet sites.

Your liberal understanding in the topic discussed is thus politely requested.

How much openness is enough in order to earn likes and gain authenticity in social media? From what I have been reading back home and yes, in many other sites, a lot. A lot of openness, to a fault of sacrificing privacy.

As we surf from turf to turf; page to page, we see many contents that show not just skin, but women in full regalia of bare, celebrating the uniqueness of their womanhood.

No qualms about showing. If it asserts femininity without conditions. And without regret.

But when we intersperse skin-showing pictures with text in blatant language, words that do not show politeness, and statements that go beyond frankness that all jump above acceptable ethics in human relations, that I think is a problem.

Especially when these are flaunted and much-vaunted for in social media, for popularity’s sake.

These days, who dares refute that, “content is king?”.

But as we can see, it is not content but sensationalism that really matters in the heyday of social media influence. THAT GOOD OLD journalism “must not do” ideal, is alive and kicking to this day, in the era of millennials. And this writing faux pas has permeated into the realm of social media. Where the acceptable adage or right of way seems to be:

“Make it controversial.”

“Make it intriguing in order to be read.”

“Show yourself.”

Because TOO MUCH is not too much.

You have to earn likes and shares. And not hide from everyone, right?

And there goes our right to privacy.

So much. So soon. Such favor for those who do not share in the beauty of your life.

Browse over some fan comments and you read not love, but an expression of the contrary.

And our popular celebrities do feel the pinch and tinge of sacrifice they have to do in order to hold fame in their hands.

Can we get more value in content that is not outright OUTTHERE, PLAIN BARE, and cursive in the language (euphemism)?

I think many are enjoying these times of the “look at me and wonder” generation. Because fame has become acceptable, yes maybe trivial, but totally within reach of everyone.

Honesty served, honesty rejected,

when all the comments matter.

To be in my forties, writing still and reading more, I cannot help but ask: are we not better than this slew of show and tell content?

Okay, there might be felt of need to show wealth and how far one has come.

Or maybe any slightest news is a big tell for others, no matter how indistinct or otherwise you are.

But can honesty in social media grow your self-love and image later on in life, when the klieg lights have faded and the followers have aged?

Fans’ attitudes have changed through the years.

Readers have become not just scrutinizing but also well-placed in sharing their feelings and emotions when a certain picture or statement hurts them or earns their disapproval directly.

EVEN IF THE CONTENT CREATOR does not aim to do so.

There is so much sharing on social media these days. Boundaries have blurred decency in digital conversations.

Perhaps we are growing our pride and not lifelong learnings each time we make ourselves visible on social media.

What is left of honesty, when we’ve shared everything already?

And left nothing for us to hold in our raw hearts to ponder?

HOW CAN OUR youngsters delineate what’s acceptable behavior in communication and what’s not, when those who preceded them have shown that the digital world is the only world that matters?

By sharing too much in social media, we let go of our true capacity to live in the real world of adults, where there is decency and withheld brazenness of attitude.

So I opine honesty in social media may not always do us good, if many are bound to reject their own authenticity, just to accept what is popular and what is trending.

Honesty must be rejected when lines of decency have famished and flaunting has become too much for the kids to read and take.

Make honesty count. The right way.

Because in social media, everyone’s gaze does not always mean a favorable like.

Thank you for reading Fated to Write by Anna.

Philippines

3 Coping Ideas for Moms Who’ve Had Enough of the Quarantine

July 4, 2020July 3, 2020Leave a comment

Is prolonged home stay choice to shy away from the COVID-19 even possible for us as social beings?

This is the question that can be thrown at any adult/s. Us who are used to live socially, and designed to interact with others.

I guess the solitude of being home would and could– push any adult to confront this truth.

How long can you hold against that urge to get out and seek the sunshine?

Let us check out what happens when we are home away from our regular routine as we’ve been accustomed to, us oldies.

REALITY CHECK: WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AWAY FROM “PEOPLE INTERACTION” TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

You would feel that term- Fear of missing out (FOMO).

It is a normal sentiment.

You’d feel a certain disconnect from the usual places you go to. And the people you often see.

That feeling of getting left behind if you can relate to this thought.

Why?

Because even if you’re at home, the world keeps on turning.

And so are others who are part of the circle of activity, those whose services are necessitated by the situation.

Being updated with news can be not enough.

Simple looking out or staying within the confines of your community can still give you that feeling of isolation.

Who wouldn’t want to get back the way it used to. Can you beat that thought?

The truth is social distancing is a necessity of manners and conduct these days because people and majority believe so that this is the good thing.

But deep inside that quaint feeling of us humans can fight that.

Because you are a person whose meaning can be intertwined with the purpose of other men. And being in quarantine can defeat that same purpose.

How do you thus cope as adults?

IT IS A HARD BATTLE. UNLESS YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY SAFETY AND HEALTHY SUPPORT SYSTEM IN THE FAMILY AND IN COMMUNITY TO HELP YOU THROUGH.

SO AS IT IS HARD TO STAY HOME AND DEFY YOUR NATURE TO BE SOCIAL, CONCERN CAN HELP YOU STICK WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT IS AGAINST YOUR SOCIAL WILL TO DO SO.

Here are my some coping ideas for us moms to get this through this phase of new normal:

KEEP ACTIVE.

Frequent room stay and inactivity if you’re a healthy person can develop a pessimist attitude in you.

It can also slow down your energy to do things and stick to your routine.

So when you’ve been feeling that “lull” to move around and it is not your usual practice, then beat that thought and think of things to accomplish other than your usual routine.

2. READ THOSE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES.

Detox from social media that dump all the bad news and facts that further instill fears.

Load up on helpful creative emotional feeds.

Or simply talk to positive people you know are kind enough to share their time to listen to you or share their inspiring words even.

3. GIVE IN TO THOSE “I WANT THIS…” OR “FINALLY I’VE STILL TIME TO DO THIS” WHILE WORK OR SCHOOL IS OFF.

Turn that glass upside down and see what else you can do with your better time.

Honestly, you don’t have to list them all in your bucket list.

Just go beyond your usual routine as moms or adults.

And do something for yourself that can get your creativity and sense of purpose really working despite of being home.

Stay safe everyone. Thank you for reading Fated to Write by Anna .

Two words. Statement.

May 26, 2020May 26, 2020Leave a comment

When counting the days, to go back to normal, these are the words you can say…

These are my thoughts when business opens. Yes. As a woman, business means, going to the regular places you frequent, even with a mask on, like doing the grocery, visiting the beauty shop and seeking the sunshine as it waifs on you with morning greet.

Let’s forget the acronyms. ECQ. GCQ. And discuss choices. What choices have you been left to pick up after all these?

For one, we can pick up the truth of the new standard in going out. And doing the tasks at hand, as a mom, as a parent, or as a worker perhaps.

Don a mask. Of course.

Add a face shield.

Remember the distance.

Anyway, the promixity you have to another rests on the heartbeat right?

Then you get a dose or a shot of reality.

Some businesses may entirely close, yes, even you’re most familiar with (the laundry shop, of course!). And that school for your kids, will not be the same again, for the meantime.

(pardon the whine,) Just wine.

So, here are my few two word statements we can all say as we brave for the new lifestyle of social distancing.

BE KIND.

Yes, COVID-19 is not a reason to go after another and hate another. Understand, we are all the same, in need for the basic necessities and seeking normal lives.

SEEK HELP.

You know everyone needs at least one or two in their list of daily necessities. But don’t bottle up your thoughts. Just let it out in the open.

Seek assistance. Share your story.

So those who have the means to help or at least make some opportunities even, would be rung by the truth that social distancing does not mean, living alone.

It is a big, big world. And people with big hearts, you can find even amidst uncertainty.

STAY BEAUTIFUL. OR KEEP YOUR HEART PLEASANT. (Okay that’s more than two words).

Veer away from grumpy emojis. And don’t train yourself to be lonely because of what’s happening around you.

Do what you can. Even in tiny steps. Help yourself.

Be beautiful. And pleasant. Because happiness is contagious.

Stay safe and thank you for reading- Fated to Write by Anna.

Trend spotting the New Normal: What’s In, What Flops These Days

May 16, 2020May 16, 2020Leave a comment

Welcome trends in lifestyle.

If you’ve been in a hunt for change specifically trends on social these days, you can actually spot many already. Ever since the home quarantine took place to put people from all over the world in a state of relax, as in home stay, many have been prying for things to do to make their days more productive beyond the work away from office setting.

But before the new set of work-from-home (WFH) arrangement finally settles to make the newcomers comfortable, there is an ongoing trend in social media we can all expect to see more.

Check out the trends here which you can try in your off-WFH sked:

The rise of celebrity skills show-off on social media.

Your local stars showcasing their cooking, gardening or arts and crafts skills, are more posted recently.

Since many local celebrities have plenty of time in their hands, many personalities are opening up to let their fans in on their hobbies and likes, giving fans that feel of “what’s in a day like for them”.

You can join this trend of skills showcasing. Find out which hobby you intend to grow or improve on, while everyone is on a wait-and-see disposition to see things back to normal minus the COVID-19 fears. If you have a hobby which you are confident of promoting online, then flaunt it. Harness your skills to turn your hobby into something more fulfilling. You can even start your own business just by polishing your skills in cooking, painting, and other interests.

The leveling of big companies online to make their products more accessible to consumers.

Many retailers have turned online to make their products and services more reachable to their market. Gone are the days of internet selling being wanted only by micro business entrepreneurs. Now, even the biggest of companies locally have become “woke” in shifting their traditional product selling to harness the advantages of e-commerce.

Suffice to say, your favorite coffee brand now has a delivery service, while your popular school supply chain can now also be reached online. And more are coming in. Expect tougher competition though if you have an online store. So as not to be left behind by the competition, make your business more accessible by actively posting and reaching out to your consumers. These mean, being an e-commerce newbie can put you at a disadvantage. Even non-online shoppers have to join this trend of having to be more savvy in their social media skills to keep themselves tuned in to trends. And thus be able to have access to basic necessities online since most businesses are not accessible.

As for fashion, OTD’s have become (almost) irrelevant. Except for lounge or “plainclothes” wear.

Why is this trend worthy? This means consumers like you would have to expect simpler styles in clothing.

Expect then a leaning for minimalist styles and dressed down versions of clothes from your favorite brands and shops, to cater to the need for “practicality” and comfort of consumers and respond to the “new normal” in lifestyle.

What trends have you spotted recently? Go share here or simply like my posts on Fated to Write by Anna. For more articles, please click on my other posts below:

The Home Quarantine Effect

April 1, 2020April 1, 2020Leave a comment

How a Mom Makes Sense of It In The Early Weeks

We don’t have a choice really these days in a period of being home quarantined and all are advised to practice social distancing to keep us safe or at least keep others safe, too.

It is a call of conscience and a call of responsiveness to practice restraint in our daily activities while the COVID-19 concern is out there, still waiting to find a solution.

And as moms, what brave a mind like her during these days when the entire fam is at home? What to do and how to stock up on necessary resources and supplies when the buying and availability of food and other essentials like food are put to a halt while those in the front liners -from government officials to medical workers work their space to serve others?

As a mom the only thing we can actually do is to take a breather–recoup the possibility of negation during the spate of realities and try to be productive as much.

These are how the enhanced community quarantine has affected the lives of some and many back home in the Philippines, while the ECQ is in effect:

The must-wear ID pass or quarantine pass.

In the first weeks, city residents were still allowed to go around with not much of restrictions in movement. Private individuals simply had to exercise their own call of propriety in deciding whether “to go out or not”, and everyone was cautioned to wear masks and practice social distancing.

About two weeks ago, community ID’s were given and only 1 person is allowed to own it. That same designated individual can go out and get food, and attend to some external errands or other official work related activities.

Business hours and establishments were affected.

Stringent measures were imposed in commercial areas.

The hours that people can access usual establishments one can ply to were generally open in the initial two weeks. Some businesses kept on limited run on restricted business deals. But of late these were entirely shut from the public to further help the government’s effort to avert increase in the COVID-19 situation.

Convenient stores for example were open and there were still patrons who would come in. But adjustments were made. People were advised to wear masks- implied or on direct suggestion. There were gel and sanitizers at the doorstep and customers lining up for the counters to pay must take necessary precaution when going up close to the cashier’s counter to pay.

Delivery services from food to courier were still available in the early weeks but these were carefully-screened.

Social media posts became personal, newsy or lifestyle-driven.

Locally, social media posts centered on news about how the latest developments on the COVID problem.

Numbers were rising by the day and NGOs and private individuals are stepping up to their plate to help out.

From doing homemade, designer created or do-it -yourself facial masks; to making alcohol sanitizers available even online as these were some of the products being easily used up these times, many were trying to make things bearable yet ordinary as days passed during the ECQ.

The social media posts for women were mostly about family activities and homestay activities.

Everyone was trying to make things better despite the situation.

The walkathon can be challenging. But it became a necessary activity to surpass day to day timeline.

Good if you drive or if you are a car-owner. But if you want to simplify and get your needs at the nearest area without much of a frill, then what you go for is to TAKE A WALK.

People were cautioned to go out in limited numbers and had to have their cars or vehicles registered at the community level. Expect to be stopped by be person in military uniform asking about your where to details.

So all you can do is to politely stop when you’re in the motor, and politely oblige to the prying.

Otherwise, you go for the long, longer, longest walk of your stay in the community to get what you need- buy food, get items essential etc.

So these are the after effects of the COVID-situation back home.

By the end of the day, all we can do to make things better is to really pray, and hope for things to settle and go back to normal.

This is Fated to Write by Anna. Stay happy despite of the sit, and keep on reading to get your lifestyle, feature or opinion articles here on my site.

[…] before you continue reading this post, you might want to read my latest post on: There Must Be Privacy…

[…] For a related topic that complements this article, you might want to check this post entitled: Let’s Talk Honest…

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