A typical soap opera or koreanovela shown in the Philippines has the “bida” and the “kontrabida”. We sometimes apply the principles displayed in these soap operas that we already make them a part of our lives. In (chapter one of the Cluetrain Manifesto) Internet Apocalypso, Christopher Locke features the “kontrabida-like” role of companies to their employees/consumers. It is when the executives are scared to make their employees completely part of the company. They would limit them to tasks assigned and they were not given the complete freedom to express themselves. Think about giving up the control of what they own (even though they don’t really own their employees) would be really hard for those top execs. Some are perceived to have a profit-oriented, control freak attitude. But still, things had to change. There should be no villain in the real world.
Embracing the new technology that continues to evolve is the only way to survive in an also evolving community. Individuals have their own thoughts regarding so-many things around them, and they become more eager to voice it out. And like now, internet is the first thing that pops into our minds. No one has the right over other people’s thought and action. It’s just right that people have this new way to express their thoughts. It is seen and used in a fight for what you think is right, in a more subtle manner and without really fighting. And this time it’s not done in a rowdy way, rather people also relieve their anger and stress through the help of the internet.
From the history of silencing the voices of people inside organizations came this technology that both solves that problem and improves communication. Since our natural instinct is to communicate and interaction is vital, the internet is such a hit. You don’t have to be silent anymore because you know there are a lot of people that would listen.
The internet brings out the best in people by providing them a place to be themselves and encouraging exercise of choice and freedom. After all the information and persuasion on expressing yourself, at the end of the day that is still your choice to make. “You” (individual or a group) may use internet to either your advantage or disadvantage. Nobody wants to end up regretful, just like what everthing else, you would still be careful on expressing your thoughts (we don’t want other scandals and wars). The internet can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It can also be a source of your happiness or your fear.
