TV host Kim Atienza shared a word of caution for those considering posting screenshots online as evidence during disputes, especially when emotions are high.
His advice: take a step back, sleep on it, and think things through.
“‘Pag ikaw ay galit na galit, ‘wag ka munang maglabas ng resibo. Iyan ang ma-a-advice ko sa lahat ng tao,” Atienza said on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Friday, December 27.
The year 2024 has seen an uptick in controversies fueled by screenshots, leading some to label it the “Year of the Screenshots.” Among the most talked-about incidents was Jam Villanueva’s revelation of alleged infidelity by her ex-boyfriend, actor Anthony Jennings, with his love team partner Maris Racal. Similarly, Ruffa Mae Quinto and Trevor Magallanes’ heated exchanges over their relationship and child sparked separation rumors after screenshots of their arguments surfaced online.
When asked by Boy Abunda about the proper handling of such situations, Atienza highlighted the potential consequences of impulsively sharing screenshots.
“Itulog mo muna at pag-isipan mo nang husto. Kasi, ‘pag nilabas mo ‘yan, may damage at ang damage, maaaring bumalik din sa ‘yo,” he cautioned.
He further explained that while posting screenshots might not always be legally sound, public opinion tends to favor the aggrieved party, adding complexity to the matter.
“Pero hindi komo hindi legal, ibig sabihin hindi tama. Maaaring hindi legal ‘yung paglabas ng mga screenshot, pero ang tide of public opinion nandu’n sa inaapi. Sino ba ang inapi rito?”
Atienza ended his statement by underscoring the importance of context and restraint, saying, “Puwede namang makasira ka ng buhay sa paglabas mo ng screenshot mo, at hindi mo alam ang konteksto ng screenshot na ‘yun. Kaya, dapat talaga kapag galit ka, ‘wag ka maglabas ng kahit na ano.”
