Social media is great, and with its popularity the world we live in has shrunk.  We are a small village.  I mean literally, everything that happens in every corner of the world can be within our reach in lightening speed.  One can hail this as a wonderful invention and human progress.  Cheers! 

One step back, and social media can be a grand annoyance.  I specifically want to speak of the level of inundation that sweeps through my cell phone and social media feeds during the times of storms and disasters, accidents and heart-breaking incidents.  The sharing makes sense, but am I the only one who feels like some people just need to take a chill-pill during those horrible occurrences?  Some people just literally block up the phone space with photos, videos, and unnecessary rantings during such horrible times.

Maybe some of us would prefer to not know what is really happening at the moment; since probably during the time of the bad experiences we just want to center ourselves to a higher place where peace resides?  Maybe the pictures and videos lead to negative emotions like anxiety, depression, confusion and stress especially post Maria Trauma.  We must not forget that many people are still carrying fresh scars from both TS Ericka (2015) and Hurricane Maria (2018).  The inundation has potential to trigger mental breakdowns.

The decision to shut off all Whats App chats, or just turn off the phone is something  each person can decide to do.   It is about the power that is within our reach as relates to these annoyances.   Still, our netiquette, and social media courtesies are lacking.  You see there is information, and then there is too much information (TMI).  There is sharing or sensitizing, and then there is spamming.   Heck, yesterday’s rainy, flooding event was really painfully spam-y for me, and I bet for others.

Granted, I understand the need for the sharing of some of that info, especially for our friends, families and international patrons abroad.  The news is good, but the constant sending, re-sending, over-sending of those videos and photos via people’s private group chats, is just too much.

What I am actually seeking is a level of consideration from all and sundry.  If one has a photo or video and chooses to send it to others, I suggest you take the opportunity to request the permission of the other person.  As for sending them in a chat / group shared by many, this is even more crucial.  Show some consideration, and restrain yourself for the sake of the sanity and respect of others.   Do remember, some people are on several Whats App groups and may receive some of the same materials multiple times.  Let us stop the inundation, especially during the storms.

How do you feel about this matter?  Do you think that the sharing turns into spamming for you?  Your comments are welcome.