A couple of weeks ago, I unfriended someone on Facebook because of his politics. And I know that someone else unfriended me as well for precisely the same reason. To say that the upcoming elections have made us all crazy on social media might just be an understatement.
This election season is perhaps the noisiest, buzziest and most divisive in recent memory. It’s the perfect recipe of controversial candidates, rabid supporters, above-average levels of social engagement, and a general feeling of being fed up. Now, it seems like everyone wants to be heard. No one wants to be quiet anymore.
As a democracy, we have always been encouraged to speak our minds. We are urged to participate in the discourse, to be critical, to be inquisitive so that the truths will be uncovered. And with all our social media accounts at our disposal, we make sure that we are contributing to the discussion.
There is a growing sentiment among the electorate, particularly younger ones, of disgruntlement and discontent. Regardless of the candidate they’re supporting, online Filipinos today refuse to be silenced. The past few months have been a testament to this, with Facebook and Twitter being hotbeds of politically charged rants. Social media has always been a venue for sharing thoughts and opinions, but never has it been utilized as it has this election season.
Estimates say that there are 42 million Facebook users in the Philippines (49 million, according to others), or about 40 percent of the population. That’s a huge deal – and if used effectively and efficiently, social networking really could help decide this year’s elections. But instead of being a force for good, social media is notorious for spreading negativity and malicious intent.
“Social media has dramatically changed the dynamics of elections in the Philippines, sent spin doctors a-spinning, and apologists a-flurry whenever the damaging sound bytes, slurs, and insensitive remarks are let loose by their candidates. The posts, tweets, and viral videos have polarized the nation, making this the most vicious election season in history,” writes Maribel Buenaobra for The Asia Foundation.
You know this is true when Facebook friends are unfriending each other because they can’t agree to disagree, as what I have experienced.
(In my defense, I only unfriended one person – an acquaintance – and only because he’s being very passive-aggressive in the way he talks about politics.)
But really, I think this is a sign of a healthy democracy. It’s a wonderful feeling to not be afraid of truly saying whatever it is you want to say. Unlike anonymous message boards, Facebook and Twitter are based on identity. We are identified as ourselves whenever we post a statement or share an article and that counts for something. It says a lot that we are able to own what we post, that we aren’t hiding behind an avatar.
It can’t be denied that sometimes, someone would post a piece that defies logic, or something that can be so combative, or even something that’s simply meant to stir the pot. But that’s the very essence of having discussions and leaving no stone unturned for the purpose of an informed electorate. We can’t all be logical and sane and analytical. And having all those voices in the mix is what makes democracy a democracy.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that it may be vicious, it may be chaotic, it may seem like it’s getting out of hand, but I think that we – as a people – are actually using social media well in trying to decide on who will be the next leaders of this nation. It’s a good thing that we are all passionate (sometimes to a fault, but still), interested and engaged. This all goes to show how willing and determined we are to fight for a brighter future, and that we will stop at nothing to finally get what we think we deserve.
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