Is social media boon or bane? We asked some celebrities if maintaining an account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social networking sites is more helpful than destructive. Their takes on the contentious topic:
Tom Rodriguez believes that everything has its good and bad side. He explains, The great thing about social media is its interactivityit brings people together! The flipside is the anonymity and mob mentality it encourages. Sometimes, celebrities get demeaned, because netizens forget that were human. We have insecurities, and we get tiredthats why we empathize with others who are experiencing the same thing!
Kjwan vocalist and actor Marc Abaya stresses the need for social networking sites to stay free: Social media represents freedomwhich can be used irresponsibly. But, people should be allowed to say whatever they want, no matter how hurtful it is!
I used to have a lot of haters when I began crossing over from music to acting, because I had to prove to them I wasnt just Marilou Diaz-Abayas entitled son. Then, you see the tide turning when you prove them wrong. My mom taught me that, while its true that haters can be destructive, you have to be able to discern which ones to listen tobecause even negative reactions can help you get better!
Dingdong Dantes likes the accessibility to instant informationright at his fingertips: I treat it with an open mind. Social media is helpful if you use it properly. I also have bashers, but I make sure Im 10 feet ahead of themalam ko na kung anong sasabihin nila! I respect dissenting opinioneven if it hurts. So, kahit isang tao lang pero medyo malaman ang sinasabi, it matters to me. Thats how the feedback mechanism operates! If no one hates youand vice versatheres probably something wrong with you!
Theater luminary Robert Sea, whos part of the cast of ABS-CBNs Two Wives, loves the limitless information he gets from social media: It gives us access to everything, any time we want it! But, too much of it is unhealthybecause you can get addicted to it!
Ruru Madrid takes the negative aspects in stride. I laugh it off. One time, some fans of the Julie Anne San Jose-Elmo Magalona love team werent pleased when I was paired with Julie Anne on SAS, and they sent me threatening messages! But, you have to know which posts to take seriously.
Rodjun Cruz has a more drastic approach to haters, though: Some messages inspire you to do betterbut, with haters, I just block them automaticallythat way, wala nang stress (laughs)!
Heres what Rhian Ramos thinks: Im all for the readily available information we get. What I dont like is that it can be dangerous, because there are people out there who are putting out irresponsible posts, regardless of whoever is receiving the information! For some, its all right to be anonymous and cowardly!
See the original post:
Is social media boon or bane?