"New Media Manners" By Blandina

I agree that people do not mind their manners because of social media. Due to the advanced in technology, people starts to communicate via email and SMS. There is less interaction with one another. People starts to get very active on facebook and twitter such that they will update and comment on their lives everyday, minutes and even seconds. They seem to be more concern with their social networking than in real life situations. I find it very rude to text or use the phone when you are out with your friends. It seems like you are not paying any attention to what your friends are trying to say in real life. Another example, now teens are often seen using their phone while walking on the street and even when they are having a meal. It has become an important tool in our lives.
For a relationship, it is not wise to confess or initiate a break up with the other party through online or phone. Even between friends, I feel that it would be better to do so face to face. As for meetings and lessons, I feel that people should not make an attempt to use their phone secretly. It shows that they do not have any respect to the person standing in front who is trying to gain everyone’s attention. It is also advisable to set your phone on slient mode.
In conclusion, it is fine to update your life on facebook and twitter once in a while but not too excessively. If not people would tend to ignore in real life which will then become a society problem.

"New Media Manners" by Liew Wei Qi

I agree that many people do not have media manners. It is a common sight to see students using their mobile phones in school, whether it is during a lunch break, during lessons, or even during the few minutes of toilet break between lessons. I dislike such sight as this action not only distracts them from their lessons; it also shows the lack of respect to whomever they are with. This bad habit of frequently checking their mobile phones for new updates and making comments at Facebook, Twitter, and SMS can cause more people to lack media manners. Imagine you are having a company meeting and one of the executives keep on tapping and looking at his phone. How do you feel? Obviously you will feel that it is rude of him to be doing that since everyone is listening attentively and discussing about the topic of the meeting.  

Social networking media is also a bad place for people to have an argument or even declaring their love. As most people in Singapore has a bad command for English, it is easy for us to misunderstand each other through the comments we type online. If I am in a heated argument with a friend, I will never have a talk with them online as I will prefer to have a face-to-face talk. The reason is that any comments I made online can be easily misunderstood, thus worsening argument we have. Declaration of love on a social networking media is also a definitely “NO”. Any errors, missing alphabet, or even letters can cause a break off in the relationship you both had created for a few months or even years!

New Media Manners by Nur Hazimah

The rapid increase in development of technology has made world a better place for most of us with its efficient tools of communication, all at our convenience in just a click. However, with the rise of the tech-savvy generation, it has also affect our social media manners.

As the purpose of sending an SMS is to be short yet precise, many people have a tendency to write in short forms and sometimes, improper grammar. This may lead to the recipient thinking that the tone of the SMS way different from how it was supposed to be, which will then shows that we lack of etiquette.

Updating common social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter too, shows our manners on the net. We have to be constantly reminded that what we post on the internet can easily spread like wildfire. The things that we post also should not be sensitive and discriminate any parties. It is definitely not a place for us to start or even settle an argument. The proper way would be meeting them privately in person as we are able to see their body language and facial expressions, thus being able to tell their sincerity.

Generally, it is considered very rude to send a text message when in class, during meetings, or even at night. It shows a form of disrespect to the speaker and it may disrupt the lesson or meeting. It is inappropriate to send an SMS at night too, as the recipient may be resting.

New media brings advantages to many, however, we must remember not to abuse its uses and observe social media manners at all times.

“New Media Manners” by Eldora

I agree that new media has been taking too much of our time and blurring our visions and behaviours of what is rude and what is acceptable. We do not take effort to mind our manners as we are so accustomed to social media. Instead, we expect others to excuse us for our unintentional rude actions as a result of social media. 

There are limits to what we can convey to others through social media. I feel that sensitive issues such as declaring your love, breaking up or starting an argument, should be done face-to-face. This reflects the responsibility and sincerity one has in delivering a clearer message. I believe that it is acceptable to use social media for other less sensitive issues, such as sending a text message to inform others that we will be late, as long as we do not misuse its convenience. 

While we are out with friends, updating our Facebook or Twitter and replying text messages once in a while are still acceptable, but if done frequently, we will make others feel neglected and disrespected which may lead to unhappy gatherings. The purpose of meeting up with friends is to spend quality time with each other thus the usage of social media should be done at home. We should put ourselves in others’ shoes, and treat them as how we would like to be treated that is, with respect.

 I have heard of experience from my friend that she had lunch gathering without any conversations because everyone was too engrossed with what is in their mobile devices. Just imagine the awkward atmosphere! I think that these could be prevented if everyone compromises with each other and agree that no use of mobile devices is allowed when having meal. Actually, that is what my family and I practiced at home. We leave our phones out of reach when having meals and promise not to answer any incoming calls until we are done with our meal. I feel that this is the start of a good habit. 

I believe it is fine being friends with our bosses on Facebook but there has to be a clear boundary between our work and personal life. It is unacceptable for any boss to send a text message to their employees late at night as they should respect their employees’ personal time. It is common knowledge that mobile phones should not be used during meetings as it will disrupt the meeting flow and will affect everyone’s attention. Therefore, these are simple manners we should abide to. 

New media has become quite a bad influence for us and I think it is because of habit and peer pressure. Teenagers especially have the most tendencies to give in to peers as we believe it is a new trend. To kick our habit, I feel that there must be a balance when using social media to preserve good manners and prevent any miscommunications or misunderstandings with other people.  

“Sloppy in Singapore” by Eldora

Sloppy dressing is not an issue to me until I read this article. 

Most Singaporeans know their dress codes for different occasions. They will dress appropriately for formal occasions such as Wedding dinner and Prom, and also dress comfortably for less formal occasions such as Birthday parties and Chalets. So far, I have not come across any Singaporeans dressing sloppily for formal occasions. Instead, I even saw kids dressing like young adults for Wedding dinner. These show that there are still people who are aware of their dress codes so it is wrong of the article to state that all Singaporeans dress sloppily. 

Singaporeans knew first impressions are very important and usually people “judge others’ by its cover”, so majority will present themselves well to avoid other’s gaze. Most would also consider the distance, place and the people they are going to meet before deciding on their appropriate attire. For example, if I am just going to a nearby shopping mall to have lunch with my close friends, I would just put on my comfortable wear which is a t-shirt and shorts. It is fine for me or others to dress this way since the destination does not need a long travelling time. Instead, it would be weird of me to wear jeans to somewhere near just to have lunch. So, rather than saying “Singaporeans dress sloppily”, the correct way to address us is “Singaporeans dress logically”.

After all, I feel that if you are good looking or have nice body, then whatever you put on would be fashionable and wouldn’t look sloppy at all. In addition, it is fine to prefer comfort to fashion as these are personal preferences, and who says comfort can’t be fashionable?







   





















Images adapted from: google.com (images)

Sloppy In Singapore By Blandina

I totally agree that Singaporeans are dressing too sloppily. It is a common sight to see people wearing flip flops, clad in T-shirt and shorts on the street. Most people would complain that it is due to the hot weather in Singapore. However, I have seen people dressing casually to attend a concert and even to weddings. I find this disrespectful and it reflects badly on them as well. Another example, some people would just wear a singlet with shorts and slippers to a high class restaurant. I feel that they should make an effort to dress up but not too overdressed and perhaps a covered shoe would be better. It is fine to dress down at home or to a hawker centre, but definitely not when you are going to town.
 A sloppy style of dressing is becoming like a fashion trend. Now, people prefer to wear something that makes them feel comfortable. This shows that our society has a change in our values. I think that dressing is important as people would usually judge a person based on what they wear. It is also a form of respect to others. As there is an increasing number of foreigners in our country, the least we can do is to dress properly so that we would not leave them with a bad impression.
In conclusion, I feel that everyone should make a conscious effort to dress up once they step out of their house and dress appropriately for special occasions.

Sloppy in Singapore by Liew Wei Qi

I agree that Singapore has become a nation of sloppy dressers. I believe that is because of the humid weather and the way we are taught to dress for going outdoors. Personally since young, my mother had always told me to wear a simple shirt and pants to go out or to a nearby shopping centre. And until now, my mindset of wearing something casual for going out still can not be changed. However, in the event of going to a wedding banquet or a formal occasion, I will dress up properly to the dress code stated as it is a form of respect to the host. Sadly, there are cases where disrespectful Singaporeans wear sloppily in such occasions. Such action disgusts me as this shows their lack of initiative to dress up for the formal occasion.

Singaporeans prefer comfortable clothing. Dressing up nicely for going outdoors is a “ No no” to many Singaporeans, as the hot weather makes us feel uncomfortable and sweaty. For ladies, it is troublesome to keep applying makeup when the sweat destroys it. Almost no Singaporeans will forsake comfort over proper and formal clothing. Dressing up just to go places like coffee shop and supermarkets will definitely make that person look out of place as no one would wear such attire there.

Sloppy image poses negatively to tourists as they may think that Singaporeans are lazy and messy. Overall, I feel that dressing sloppily can be right or wrong depending on the location we are going to.   

Sloppy attire at Orchard Road:


Images from: http://www.asiaone.com/Just+Woman/News/Beauty+%2526+Fashion/Story/A1Story20080707-75129.html

Sloppy in Singapore by Nur Hazimah

Singapore is becoming into a nation of sloppy dressers as most Singaporeans do not make effort to dress appropriately. People are still seen strutting down town in slippers, slacks, and old school T-shirts. While I agree that this may be because Singapore is hot and humid all year, it would not be a burden to dress ourselves up, depending on our destinations. It is acceptable to wear as such when we’re going nowhere far, for instance, within our neighbourhood. However, to places such as town or the city, where most foreigners come to, I strongly feel that we should at least wear covered shoes, and appropriate clothings. We as an individual represent Singaporeans, so how these foreigners view us is how they view the whole lot of us, and we would not want them to have a perspective that Singaporeans are sloppy dressers. This applies to attending special occasions like wedding too as it is a form of respect for the host.

However, not all Singaporeans do not take pride in their dressing. The increasing fashion influences from countries such as Japan and Korea has made many Singaporeans followers of the latest trends. Being presentable does not necessarily mean long sleeves tops and long pants. Sleeveless attire is definitely acceptable for Singapore’s tropical weather as long as they look smart. It’s not what they wear, it’s how they wear.

After all, our appearance affects our personality and how others view us.

"Sloppy in Singapore" by Amad

I do not believe we Singaporeans are sloppy dressers. We just choose to be comfortable. With Singapore’s weather being usually hot and humid, Singaporeans  cannot be blamed for donning singlets, shorts and slippers. Also, it all comes down to one’s own perspective on being fashionable. What we consider fashionable may be unfashionable to others and vice versa. Being a Singaporean teenager, I find  wearing singlets, bermudas and slippers fashionable. It is a trend among teenagers in Singapore. I do not see anything  wrong with dressing as such unless they are worn for formal events.

Of course, there are Singaporeans who dress inappropriately for formal events like weddings. Who does not? The same can be said of people in other countries as well. In my opinion, everyone should dress appropriately for formal events to show respect for the host. I have seen many who wear casually to weddings, be it youngsters or adults. It would be shameful (and embarrassing) to wear casual clothing like singlets, shorts and even slippers. I feel it is a disgrace to not only the host but also to one’s self.

I believe everyone has a right to wear what they want as long as they wear what is suitable for the occasion.

"Sloppy in Singapore" by KaiYan

I think Singaporeans should feel comfortable in the clothes they wear. Although some people might think that the way we dress is sloppy, it is important that we feel comfortable. The t-shirt, shorts and slipper trend could be because of the humid weather. Singaporeans might choose to dress comfortably rather than properly as they might sweat very often.For instance, polytechnic students dress in a variety of ways for school. Some wear t-shirts, shorts and slippers; while others prefer t-shirts with jeans and sneakers. The difference in the students’ attire show how different students find different attire comfortable.


Although feeling comfortable is important, they should dress properly when attending important events like wedding ceremony and job interview. To dress up properly is a form of respect to the host of the event. It shows that you respect the event and would spend time to dress up yourself. Dressing properly for job interview is important. The interviewer would have a better impression on you thus giving you a higher chance of clinching the job. Not all Singaporeans dress sloppily as some even take time to dress up even though they are only going to a shopping mall nearby to grab some food.


I think Singaporeans should dress up comfortably and appropriately depending on where they are going and wad events they are attending.

Sloppy in Singapore by AMANDA LIM

I do not think that Singapore has become a nation of sloppy dressers, because I still see people on the streets all dolled up. There are people who still take the time and effort to look good, especially the girls and some of the guys, because which girl or guy wouldn't want to be noticed by the opposite gender. In my opinion, it is a human nature to want others to notice you.

Yes, some of you may argue that there are still quite a number of people dressed in slippers-bermudas, that’s because these people has chosen comfort over style as we cannot deny the fact that Singapore is really warm throughout the year. But I still believe that these sloppy dressers will doll themselves up for important occasions such as weddings, interviews and any other important events. Take myself for an example, I do not usually dress myself up (I disliked shopping), but when it comes to my secondary graduation night, I spend ages to doll up and same goes to ever guy or girl who attended that night.

Often people dress according to whom they are meeting or where they are going, like for example, if you are going out alone to Orchard, and Orchard has majority of people wearing slippers-bermudas, you’ll just wear it, but if you are going out with friends, you will dress up because you care about what your friends think about you. Or another example, A date with your boyfriend/girlfriend, you will definitely try to look your best to look presentable so that the other party will feel proud being with you.

Everyone has their different needs and wants. Certain people may not have the buying power, while others might think that it is not necessary to spend money on dressing up on normal days as they might have more important things to spend their money on.
In conclusion, although majority dress sloppily on normal days, but when it comes to important events and such, they are willing to spend the time, effort and money to look good and presentable.