Over the past week, many users of Facebook Messenger received what looked to be a link coming from their “friends.” The link purported to be a holiday greeting that said: “I am send you a surprise message. Open this.”

Eventually there circulated an announcement that the greeting, which came from one of several different sites, was malicious, and could compromise the digital security of anyone who opened it.As a result, all those who clicked on the link were told to change passwords for their email and social media accounts, as well as their banking credentials.This is not the first time this has happened. Hackers use all kinds of schemes designed to make unsuspecting people open an attachment or click on a link, so that their personal information and passwords can be stolen.Being unsuspecting also comes in the form of believing and passing along fake news, even as ample warning has been given to check the source, the date, and generally test the article for authenticity. For a people spending so much time on social media, Filipinos still can take many things at face value.

As 2020 comes, it’s a good aim to become more careful in whatever we see, hear and read. Sometimes, our folly could compromise our personal digital security; sometimes, it leads us to confuse and confound others.This virtue, becoming more important in this age where there is a deluge of information, will also help us look at our political choices critically and see leaders and candidates for who they are instead of the persona they want us to see.There are many good things to hope for in this new year, but Filipinos could best benefit from being less gullible and more discerning.

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