Rewired Minds

 

Paunahay pagsalida.

In our community, an elderly couple was brutally stabbed to death, sending waves of fear through the neighborhood. Not long after, another couple in a nearby town was shot and killed, deepening the unease and heightening collective anxiety. These incidents have left many asking difficult questions, as uncertainty continues to surround the circumstances behind such acts.

What is equally troubling is how these incidents are being relayed on social media. Some individuals immediately turn on live feeds and cry out for help in a state of panic, often incoherent and overwhelming, making it harder for responders and viewers alike to grasp the situation and act swiftly. Others go as far as broadcasting the victims’ bodies in real time, forgetting that these are not mere spectacles, but human lives lost, people with families who may find such exposure deeply offensive, distressing, and profoundly disrespectful.

Have people become so consumed by technology that every emotion must be broadcast across social media platforms, and every action filtered through them? In many instances, there appears to be an unspoken compulsion to document and share, as though an experience is not fully realized until it is made visible to others.

According to Sherry Turkle (2011), the constant urge to share reflects a shift in how individuals construct identity and connection, often prioritizing visibility over presence. Similarly, Jean M. Twenge (2017) argues that the rise of digital culture has intensified self-focus and validation-seeking behaviors, particularly through online platforms. Together, these perspectives suggest that technology does not merely facilitate communication but also reshapes how people experience and express their emotions, at times encouraging a reflex to make every moment public.

One may argue that the freedom to express oneself extends to any platform and in any form, yet such freedom should never come at the expense of universal values. Respect, discipline, and empathy must take precedence, guiding how and when we choose to share. The urgency to be the first to broadcast an event should not override the responsibility to uphold human dignity and sensitivity toward others.

From a Stoic perspective, as reflected in the teachings of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, emotions should never overpower sound judgment. Even in moments of fear or urgency, it is important to pause, think clearly, and act with restraint. In doing so, individuals not only maintain composure but also contribute to a more respectful and responsible way of responding to events that affect the community as a whole.