This thing called "Hugot"

CEBU, Philippines - According to a recent study: "People who post inspirational quotes on social media have lower levels of intelligence."

Most people carry scars from their past as they embrace the gifts of the present and hopes for the future. All these comprise their current mindset and view of life. And these determine the way they take or react to life situations, as represented by so-called "hugot" lines.

Nowadays, social media provides a venue for "hugot" lines. "Hugot" refers to the act of pulling something out from somewhere deep, often something emotional. The statement never fails to elicit an equivalent emotional reaction in readers.

Filipinos are quite creative in playing with language in all its forms, which talent gives rise to "hugot." A certain dose of humor is needed for a "hugot" line to catch on, for its emotional content to resonate well with the social media audience. "Hugot" lines posts range in themes from love and romantic relationships to life experience in general. 

Due perhaps to its popularity, the posting of "hugot" lines on social media has since become abused. Some people over-decorate their "hugot" lines with unnecessary information thereby diffusing the emotional impact. Others use it just to make an impression with others, and not anymore for self-expression.

In other words, "hugot" lines have two sides:

The Good Side.

Coping mechanism. To put one's emotional challenges in words is a good way of coping with it. Psychologists say that it helps a troubled patient to describe his or her troubles. Often, by describing his problem, a person is halfway to the solution.

Emotional outlet. It is a way of letting out steam that would otherwise build up inside. It is proven that stress regularly released, even a little each time, precludes its potential ugly outcomes. The humor incorporated in a "hugot" line also lightens up the emotional burden.

Strength in number. It's true that one who's emotionally embittered often feels better to know that he or she is not alone in the experience.

The Bad Side.

Psychological noise. "Hugot" lines may only aggravate the emotional confusion of its readers or recipients.  It can be a kind of "noise" to further muddle things up in the mind of readers who are already laden with so much crap of their own.

Negative vibe.  With "hugot" lines, people may be unknowingly soaking themselves in other's bitterness. They may begin to develop distrust and cynicism towards others. It is often hard to ascertain whether the "hugot" represent real-life experience or just a creative but hollow production of some imaginative minds.

Lowered intelligence. A study has found that those more receptive to inspirational statements on social media are less reflective, lower in cognitive ability - numeracy, verbal and fluid intelligence.

Poor grasp of reality. "Hugot" lines that are often phrased over-dramatically are found to be also more prone to believing the paranormal, hold strange religious beliefs and are easily taken in by conspiracy theories.

In the end, "hugot" lines are not gospel truths. While some of these are truly reflective of real-life experiences, others are mere creative productions. To be safe, these are to be taken only for their entertainment value. (FREEMAN)