I ‘DISLIKE’ THIS…

Of late, the virtual space has been irking me somewhat, especially a so-called ‘like’ option which I wished we used with some discretion and a little thought. Yes, I increasingly seem to ‘dislike’ the shallowness of human expressions and feelings that often come out in the open in this intangible world.

And I shall tell you why. Recently, during a quick visit to my Facebook wall I spotted this post which mentioned about a person missing from my hometown. Rumours were rife that he might have been kidnapped by extremist elements. As a silent prayer escaped my lips, I only wished he returned to safety soon. The man’s fate hung in a limbo.

As the post started gaining traction, in no time it notched up quite a few likes. I was left gobsmacked. I mean, which sane person would like the news of someone going missing, probably kidnapped and counting minutes to his death? It felt disgusting.

Considering the rate at which the faces and facts on the wall keep changing, the ‘likes’ probably mean little, often nothing more than a mindless click. But should it mean we become so numb that we start ‘liking’ to know someone is in pain? Or is it some kind of a sadistic pleasure that one derives? As if this was a perfect opportunity to settle old scores with that wry smile, ‘Yes buddy, I’m loving it, oops! ‘liking’ it rather to see your life’s screwed up.’

There are umpteen more examples of such mean streaks. Just take a close look at your own wall and you'll know. A couple of months ago my math teacher from school passed away. Now, this was a man who probably had the most number of students hate him, for he treated most of his pupils like dumbheads meant to be doomed for life. But as we kids grew up, we learnt to laugh away his barbs and have a jolly good time mimicking his mannerisms at every reunion. Now no sooner the news of his death appeared, a few likes followed. I didn’t know how to react. Not that this teacher and myself were in each other’s favourite list, but to be outright blatant and say that one ‘likes’ the fact that someone’s no more, honestly, I didn’t know what to make of such misplaced emotions. I just felt bitter to the bones.

I’m not sure in the real world how many of these people would have the gall to utter the same word with as much ease as it seems with the click of a button. I'm sure the fear of losing face would keep most at bay. And if that’s the case, why should there be any concession in the virtual space? Should an absence of physicality also mean an absence of emotionality? Just as those colourful emoticons and exclamations add tone to our messages, the ‘likes’ mirror our thoughts and, need I say, the reflections are hard to miss.