The Void of Social Media Confessions and the Erosion of Empathy

A man recently took to social media to express his frustration while waiting for a vacant room to receive medical treatment. His post quickly garnered numerous responses, including from medical professionals, whose reactions were mixed. Some comments, particularly from doctors, were notably lacking in empathy towards the patient’s suffering. It was later discovered that these doctors were graduates of prestigious universities in the country.

This raises the question: where has the sense of compassion gone? God bestows this instinct upon every human being, making it natural to feel moved and sympathetic when witnessing the difficulties of others. Some netizens suspect that the medical staff were simply exhausted, rendering them unable to write polite words. Others argue that workplace pressure should never eliminate a person’s sense of pity.

This incident demonstrates that a life based on secularism cannot sustain a compassionate attitude. It has even eroded the basic human instinct of affection (gharizah nau’). A life built on the separation of religion from daily affairs (fashludin anil hayah) causes religious values to fade. People act solely for measurable, material values rather than to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT. There is no longer an awareness of one’s relationship with the Creator and Regulator.

People become preoccupied with their own affairs, indifferent to others. They turn to social media to vent their frustrations, making these platforms a confessional space. Unfortunately, this can trigger negative responses and destroy privacy, as seen in the man’s case. The private domain is invaded by netizens and becomes public consumption, with their comments only worsening the atmosphere. Instead of helping, they cause deeper heartache.

In the digital age, people often seek validation for their feelings, a behaviour now considered normal and human. However, confiding on social media carries high risks, as one encounters individuals with diverse personalities, backgrounds, and education levels. The resulting responses are uncontrollable and often toxic. Netizens may pass judgement or offer false validation. Ultimately, the number of likes or views will never cure the root of the problem, because there is no governing authority in the virtual world—only a void and chambers of emotion controlled by certain understandings.

In line with this, the authorities are slow to respond to the people’s condition. They only act when an issue goes viral and a victim falls, often reacting too late. Health is a fundamental right of every individual. Citizens deserve quality healthcare services without convoluted bureaucracy. Any deadlock in public services should be addressed promptly, with state officials ready to resolve the problems that entangle society. During the golden age of Islam, there was a council of representatives composed of community leaders. People could voice their aspirations and receive immediate responses, so they had no need to turn to the virtual world, as real life functioned properly. There were also officials, like the qadi hisbah, who assessed problems and delivered just decisions, identifying the root causes and providing genuine solutions. Perhaps the hospital in question faced specific constraints it could not solve, leading to patients being left in limbo and affecting public services.

A systemic overhaul of today’s life management is needed, so that it no longer rests on secularism but instead turns to and relies upon Allah SWT, following all His guidance. People will then care for one another and dedicate their knowledge to the glory of God’s religion. Allahumma ahyinaa bil Islam.