But, Whatever!

But, Whatever! by Sheriemike L. Gadin

The profusion of social media platforms has been both a boon and a bane to Netizens that there came a poignant juxtaposition between “sharing” and “flexing.” While a cybercitizen shares a harmless post about his achievements and memories with no intension to show off, some cybercitizen will see it as flexing. And flexing here in the Philippines is a sign of great sin.

As defined by Urban slang, flex means showing off in a non-humble way. One of the recent flexing cases in the Philippines happened last July 09, 2020, at 9:14 in the morning when Agot Isidro tweeted on a photo of a luxury bike that was posted by Jinkee Pacquiao. Her tweet goes, “Alam namin na marami kayong pera. At kung ano ang gusto ninyong gawin sa pera na yun, wala kaming pakialam. Pero marami rin ang walang trabaho at nagkukumahog humanap ng pera para may pakain sa kanilang pamilya. Puwede ba, konting sensitivity man lang?” Agot’s tweet faced a huge backlash from Netizens dubbing her as Inggitera ng Taon, while others supported her tweet calling out for sensitivity during this time of the pandemic.

Though the Social Networking Sites paved its way of being an avenue where one can fully express himself while being thankful for what one has, the reality will tell us that there is no such thing as flex friendly zone in the virtual community. But, WHATEVER! Victims can choose not to be affected by these kinds of people. Flex or not flex will always be an issue for those who look at it with envy. But it is also important to know where and when is the best time to flex. During this time of the pandemic, spreading love and happiness should be the utmost priority.