Wonderer

Chismis Vs. journalism: which would you choose?

The Philippines is a democratic country that upholds the fundamental human right of freedom of expression. However, some individuals abuse this right by engaging in harmful gossip or "chismis" that can damage people's reputations. Today, chismis remains a significant obstacle to responsible journalism. Hence, we should stop this and promote the reliance on unbiased information to prevent the spread of harmful gossip.

Everywhere I go, I see many people doing whatever they want; they enjoy their freedom. Free to express their opinions and who they really are, I, as a citizen of the Philippines, also enjoy my freedom to speak what’s running on my mind and do what I want to do. The Philippines is a democratic country where everyone is free to express their opinions and do what they want as long as it is not against the law and they are not doing something that can harm others.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that allows people to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of persecution or censorship. However, this right has its limitations, and when it is abused, it can have severe consequences.

In the Philippines, people are free to express their opinions, as long as they do not violate the law or harm others. Unfortunately, some individuals take this freedom too far, leading to harmful gossiping that destroys people's reputations.

Gossiping or "chismis" has become a common pastime for many Filipinos. While it may seem harmless at first, when it goes too far, it can lead to serious consequences. The government has recognized this problem and passed laws that punish people who engage in harmful gossiping. This is a step in the right direction, as it helps to protect people's reputations and prevent the spread of false information.

However, chismis is not only a threat to individuals' reputations, but it is also becoming a significant obstacle for journalism. In a battle between a "chismosa" spreading fake news and a journalist reporting accurate information, the former often wins. This is because gossip is more entertaining and relatable than the news, which can be dry and uninteresting to some.

Unfortunately, this has led to a situation where people are more willing to believe a chismis than to verify facts from a journalist.

This problem is compounded by social media, which has become a breeding ground for fake news and harmful gossip. One post by a chismosa can quickly become viral, leading to thousands of comments and reactions.

Meanwhile, a journalist's article on a critical issue can go unnoticed and forgotten. This situation is alarming, as it shows that people are more interested in gossip than in important news that affects their lives.

This situation is becoming very alarming. Especially on how most people would rather get engaged in other people’s lives, but they do not care about serious situations. At this moment, chismis is becoming the news, and the news is becoming fake news.

As a society, we need to recognize the harm caused by chismis and take steps to prevent it from becoming the norm. We must encourage people to verify information before believing it and to rely on credible news sources rather than anonymous individuals on social media.

We should also promote responsible journalism that provides accurate and unbiased information. By doing so, we can help to prevent the spread of harmful gossip and ensure that our society remains informed and engaged in important issues.

Making the decision to shift courses can be daunting, especially when you've already invested a lot of time and effort into your current path. However, for some college students, it can be difficult to shake off the feeling of uncertainty and doubt. Peer pressure, parental expectations, and financial concerns can all play a role in the decision to switch gears. But as a third-year college student who never regretted staying the course, I urge my fellow students to resist the temptation of taking the U-turn. By staying committed to your original ambition, you not only save time but also stay focused on your goals, even in the face of setbacks.

At a reunion with my high school buddies, we discussed the difficulties of being a college student. "Di ko alam kung ba’t pa ako nasa course ko, gusto kong magshift pero sayang yung napag-aralan ko " one of my classmates said. We can't undo what we've done in terms of the courses we've taken, because after all, we've already gone a long way. Some change courses because it wasn't really their choice in the first place, but a choice made by their parents; they may have felt as if their courses were out of date; not realistic in the eyes of others; not a moneymaking career; and peer pressure may have influenced their decision.

It is true that shifting courses due to back subjects is difficult; it is especially difficult if your initial course subjects were not even close to each other. Shifting may be an option for second-year students because they will have doubts, but with courage, everything will be alright. And for first-year students, it is the ideal moment to think and assess whether or not they want to continue their courses. However, for us third years we only have a year left in college so why halt, and why not just continue?

As a third-year college student, I have never regretted staying with the courses I am taking. I may have had some reservations, but after interacting with my classmates, I realized that the path I chose wasn't so bad after all. In comparison to previous years of college, this year is most likely the most difficult. However, I believe it is more enjoyable than being trapped in our homes because of the pandemic Schoolwork piles up quickly.

However, I am more driven to finish what I started since I did not take the U-Turn. I said to myself: “You need an immense amount of courage to stay in the course and struggle even when you are almost ready to give up on life, so take courage and don’t let go until you win”

The advantage of remaining in your selected course is that you spend less time considering which course is easier because there is no easier course. It also directs you toward your goal. You will not have to abandon your original ambition because of certain setbacks. When you shift, there will be another period of adjustment because of the new environment is not necessarily a terrible thing.

Start by visualizing yourself in the future, several years from now, and ask yourself if your current course will lead you to the future that you want. Envision the skills that you think you’ll have in the future. Do you feel that your current course is preparing you with the necessary tools to achieve your career goals? If not, it may be time to consider a different course.

Evaluate yourself, and take time to reflect on your interests, values, and strengths. Consider your passions, the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, and how they align with your career goals. Consider your values and beliefs in life. Does the career you envision align with your personal values and beliefs?

While it is vital to take your time to assess your options, it is also critical to consider the timeline. Time is a valuable resource, and it is crucial to use it wisely. Falling behind can make it harder to catch up, so it is essential to consider the demands of time and make sensible decisions.