Nathan Hartono did Singapore proud by coming in second in the immensely popular the Chinese television singing content, “Sing! China”, last Friday.
Prior to the finals that were held at Beijing’s National Stadium, Nathan had stated in an online interview: “If I win, I will rent a fleet of Milo vans and treat everybody to Milo peng (iced Milo).”
According to this Straits Times article, Nestle, which carries the Milo beverage, responded on its Facebook page: “Nathan, win or lose, Milo will support you all the way! No need to rent, also can. Just tell us where, we bring the van.”
Nathan revealed on the Channel NewsAsia’s morning show today that his comment that he would “treat everybody to Milo Peng (iced Milo)” if he had won the Chinese television singing content “started out as a joke”, but it took on a life of its own because of the internet and “blew up”.
In this case, what started out as a joke will probably end up as a sweet treat (thanks Nathan and Nestle!), but this is unfortunately not always the case.
As mentioned on page 33 of our second book, “Winning with Honour”, while the internet is neutral, the views and perspectives expressed online are not.
People have virtual personalities with multiple avatars. We often have a hard time figuring out what is real and what is not, especially if it does not come from a known or credible source.
Even when it comes from a known or credible source, the information may not always be accurate. And, in a world of instant gratification, few individuals pause to verify the facts and the research, and simply go along with the opinion.
The age of the selfie and the pervasiveness of the internet have increased the desire for more public recognition and admiration, and lead one to take deceptive and self-destructive paths—news, photos, and posts are tweaked, comments are taken out of context, etc.
Hence, it is increasing more important we should honour ourselves when we read anything online by taking the time to think for ourselves, have the courage not to follow the views of the herd, and constantly ask ourselves: “Is this true?”
Similarly, before we say, post, or share any information, we should honour others and THINK:
“Is what I am about to say, post or share:
- True?
- Helpful?
- Inspiring?
- Necessary?
- Kind?”
As mentioned on page 25 of “Winning with Honour”, technology is “Hellven”, hence, the internet and social media can be “heaven” (and increases the well-being of the collective whole) or “hell” (and brings about bad unintended consequences).
So let’s take the time to THINK before we believe what we read online and THINK before we say, share, or post something…it is only in our best interest to do so.
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Photo credits:
The Straits Times l Pinterest l RACHEL HAN / TWITTER
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