GMA news pillar Howie Severino on proper social media behavior
When GMA Network’s campaign to promote the responsible use of social media Think
Before You Click was launched six years ago, fake news was not hashtagged like it is today.
GMA News and Public Affairs became the first broadcast news organization in the Philippines to take a stand against cyber harassment and bullying. At the time, GMA News Online’s then editor-in-chief Howie Severino said, “I-post lamang ang kaya mong panindigan sa totoong buhay.”
Six years later, his statement still bears repeating given the current situation where online flare-ups have become the norm.
The easy access to social media for anyone with a phone is partly to blame but then again people still have the choice whether to post an angry rant or not.
Currently GMA Network’s vice president for Professional Development, Howie has a number of tips: Breathe deeply before posting anything potentially inflammatory, or even making a comment about politics. Do not post or comment when angry. Review anything you just posted. Delete anything you immediately regret.
Post only for friends as a default setting, and click “public” selectively.
One would think these tips should be common sense and yet people regularly tweet or post hateful comments that seem designed to get others to react in a hostile manner. “You just need to be aware of the possible consequences of the irresponsible use of social media. If you are a sensible person, that is enough to deter you from being stupid online,” Howie said.
He then gave US President Donald Trump as an example where thinking before clicking would have been ideal. “If you look at Pres. Donald Trump’s
Twitter feed, there are many examples there.”
Howie says that taking a break from social media, at least for a few hours daily — when you’re with your family having a meal together or when you’re having a conversation — might be beneficial. As a journalist, however, he admits it’s difficult since he needs to be online constantly or at least, notified when something breaks.
Children’s social media accounts should be closely monitored by their parents. For millennials, he has this to say: Balance and moderation in all things. The big physical world is worth exploring.
The proliferation of #fakenews these days requires one to be more discerning and more vigilant. “Be alert to red flags, such as big news that isn’t carried by familiar news media; headlines with multiple exclamation points; news that appears on unfamiliar web sites. Know the URLs of reputable websites. Always check URLs. Be skeptical of everything.”