The Internet is great! You can meet new people, learn new things, and share ideas with friends from all over the world. ...But what about your friends who live just down the street? We love the web as much as you do, but if your online time has started putting up invisible barrier between you and your besties, it might be time to put down the handphone and experience the world with #nofilter!

Real Talk
Mei, a 16-year-old high school student, told us that one time she went to her favorite superette on Saturday night. All of her friends were there, but it was oddly silent — except for the constant pinging and chirping from everyone’s handphones! She knew it had gotten ridiculous when one of her best friends, who was sitting just across from her, sent her an SMS!

That might sound silly, but it’s something that many of us have probably experienced. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re all alone even when you’re with your friends, here’s an idea:

Have your friends agree that the first person who checks their handphone during a gathering has to sing a silly song for everyone else. If that doesn’t encourage your friends to put down their gadgets… Maybe nothing will! ;)

Real World
We <3 the Internet... There’s so much to learn and do and think about on the web. And when you run out of things to Google, there are always funny photos of cats! But never forget what’s really important: the person next to you. Your friends. Your family. The people you care about.

Take it from the wise poet Wiji Thukul: “What’s the use of knowledge if you only shut yourself in?” Be present in your life so that you have things to ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ IRL, too.