Abstract
Dear Editor,
In an earlier published article, the authors acknowledged that amid the stress brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important for men to maintain a healthy social connectedness as a coping strategy (Wilson et al., 2022). Due to restrictions relative to the pandemic, the main viable means of social connection has been through digital communication and that has a correlative effect to increased screen time exposure, which, as pointed out by the authors, has been associated with stress and depression. But they further qualified that the nature of online engagement matters more than the length of screen time.
In a recent global report, Filipinos, next to South Africans, are considered to spend the most amount of time on the internet among the nations in the world with an average of 10 hours and 27 minutes a day (Kemp, 2022). Keeping in touch with families and friends is listed as one of the main reasons for staying online, particularly during lockdowns and restrictions associated with the Covid-19 situation. For many Filipinos, their usual drinking spree and sorties with friends have been hugely impacted by those lockdowns but alternatively found a way to remain connected at home by resorting to online drinking sessions and virtual parties. Locally referred to as “online inuman” or “e-numan,” where “inuman” is the Filipino word for “drinking session,” groups of friends organized an online meet-up over bottles of wine or beer. Except for a few occasions, the main objective is not to intoxicate oneself but to socially engage oneself with buddies within the comfort of one’s abode.
While social media has an indispensable role in making connections, it is crucial to take a measured approach and responsible time management in its use. Moreover, one has also to be aware of the dark side of alcohol as heavy drinking can harm one’s health (World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research, 2018). With screen time and drinking prone to abusive behaviors, it is crucial to strike a healthy balance by inculcating healthy digital habits and moderation in drinking. Despite the gradual easing of restrictions due to lower risks associated with the COVID-19 virus, digital communication is here to stay and so is the option for online inuman or e-numan among families and friends. The key is being aware of the possible abusive effects associated with both social media use and alcohol drinking while maintaining a responsible and cautious stance and disposition.
