Virtual World

Ernesto T. Bundalian

With everything that’s going on outside, everything should seem to happen virtually nowadays. The rise of virtual applications to cater daily needs have been embraced by the economy. Online shopping through the use of Shopee app, online ordering of food via Grab or Foodpanda, online consultation for patients, legal advices, and many more. The world has really changed throughout the years, shaping a new society. The usual setup we can now see on homes are children and parents using their gadgets as a form of relaxation, education, and entertainment. Social media created a virtual world where anyone can freely express their freedom of speech, emotions, and thoughts. In this time of pandemic, it created unity within people as well as diversity. Different political views made netizens to converse each other in an unpleasant manner. “Bashers” from different aspects sprouted on comment sections seeking to harass officials, artists, celebrities, and even ordinary people. Fake news has also circulated in which gullible people fell into, and risked other people in the process. That is why sometimes, it is also best to block or hide people who do not contribute to your mental welfare. On the brighter side, when strong typhoons went wreaking havoc last year, it united people to direct rescue teams and pour out donations to those who were affected. Streamers, celebrities, and the Filipino people held their hands together in order to reach out those who have seen the worst. Clearly, social media was a guide to bring humanity together. Connecting virtually also paved way for people to become friends on social media, making virtual relationships in these trying times. Entertainment of all kinds like sports, dancing, singing, and comedy made people share laughter with each other and create bond with families. The pandemic did create a huge nuisance to the country and disrupted the normal setting of doing things. Nevertheless, it created a busy virtual world where people enjoy surfing on to and connecting with far away friends and loved ones. It sometimes produced hate and animosity, but most of the times, it united people to do good all for the sake of humanity.