LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Don’t trade your authenticity for approval. The digital world has changed and shaped our lives in more ways than we can imagine, and while it has redefined some aspects of our lives, it may have somewhat modified our entire character as well. To an extent, this has changed the core values we and the people around us hold dear. As the struggle to be relevant gets real, people have taken great lengths to achieve viral status, as one would say, “for the 'gram”.
We are all aware that social media has tremendously created an impact in society, culture, business, and in the grander scheme of things, the world at large. Indeed, it has revolutionized the way we communicate and socialize on a daily basis. On a positive note, life-changing technology has given birth to new mindsets—sharing is the new taking, giving is the new receiving, caring vs. a me-myself-and-I outlook, empathy vs. sympathy, individualism (as each individual matters), and authenticity becoming the new currency. On top of that, it leveled the playing field, in such a way that it gave any person a chance to be big and in turn, influence others and connect and network with just about anyone in the world.
In this month’s issue of Lifestyle Asia, we would like to tackle the impact of social media and share inspiring stories and perspectives that would allow our audience to rethink and redefine the role of these digital platforms in their lives.
We present not one, but three cover stories for the
May issue. Each represents a generation, with different perspectives in the role and impact of social media and how they've dealt with the issues surrounding it—Celine Lopez, Jess Wilson, and Juliana Gomez. All present a different point of view in more ways than you can imagine (from how they grew up with social networls to how they use and consume it). However, if there is a common denominator, it is that they all want to be real and unbound by it.
For this month’s special feature section, Cat Arambulo, Derek Ramsay, Mika Martinez, and Rajo Laurel, share their online personas and how they deal with online pressures. Raw, unapologetic, genuine, and accurate are only some of the many words that define them but these are what makes their voices unique and authentic.
We are also proudly featuring two digital purveyors and pioneers who defined and revolutionized the digital space. LA Lives' Catalyst feature Globe’s CEO and President Ernest Cu, shares how he influenced the Philippines' digital space as well as his personal visions for the future. Digital superstar Bryanboy, who is featured in LA Lives' Groundbreaker section, details how he reached digital stardom and how he has remained on top of his game. “If you have a voice or a point of view, platforms come and go but your point of view stays forever,” he shares.
In our LA Voice section, Ingrid Chua-Go takes us through her interesting journey in the digital world, “It was a tough job—one that many still do not see or understand today because of how we portrayed ourselves and our work in social media.” She also shares all the learnings she has gained along the way and why originality is critical in this day and age.
Indeed, social media has far-reaching effects on all of us and the world, both positive and negative. Cyberbullies and trolls lurk amongst us and social media has allowed them to be faceless. Social media has taken over many people’s lives— I for one cannot imagine life without it. In turn, people have become more aware of these issues. It is hard to ignore the fact that nowadays, people use and abuse the power of social media and as a result, give this 21st-century innovation a bad name.
Respect. It is a key value that we all have to practice in the onslaught the online world is currently facing. Allow yourself to confide in those who follow you in a genuine and truthful way. Share valuable and relevant content that improve people’s lives. Find new things to share that excite people or at the very least, make their day better. Find worth in enriching the lives of others.
Be a real person.