Generation Screenshot: The industry in shambles and what can we learn from it

In a world where the entertainment industry is constantly evolving, different mediums of communication have also soared over time. Whether people browse their smartphones or watch television, they still get to receive news. However, there is one notable thing from today's generation that seems to leave a significant mark in showbiz among Filipino netizens — screenshots. 

While screenshots could only cover so much, they could also play an integral role in celebrity buzz and whatnot. 

Here, we tackle showbiz incidents that sparked controversies in 2024, and explore what lessons and discover what could be the cause of today's modern scandals? 

Modern scandals often begin through the following channels: exposing the “wrongdoings” of the other side of the party, revealing tons of screenshots from private conversations and posts, or even full-blown expose threads that further heat up the discussion that revolve around the said scandal. Sometimes, public figures even “tease” the revelations that are soon to come on respective social media platforms, as if what they do is a music video release. Despite this, their common denominator lies in their usage of social media platforms to draw traction to their own issues.

But the scandal does not end with just the act of exposing. This is where the netizens — another channel — enter the picture.

Because of the huge fanbase that these celebrities can hold, word tends to spread fast. In one moment, these Instagram stories get screencapped in an instant. Gossips start on X, while memes start to spread on Facebook and Messenger. With both sides of the issue now unfolding, different opinions rise from each statement thrown at one another. There’s complete bashing, while there are also netizens that logically analyze each angle of the issue while relying on what surfaced on social media. Of course, speculations about who is actually right or wrong are inevitable at this point.

Once the speculations turn huge, the celebrities involved usually drop a statement first — either on their official accounts or by their managers doing damage control. Their own receipts follow on different platforms, which often lead to two things: One, it may call for an urge from the other side to settle things privately. And two, feed the netizens more content to gossip on.

While reconciliation, in this case, does not usually happen within only a few days after an issue arises, it usually happens when one side drops their version of the story. In this part of a modern scandal, it is now up to the parties involved whether they wish to tell the public if their issue is settled or not.

However, when one modern scandal ends, another one rises not long after. The same cycle repeats — allegations rise, speculations and accusations spread, with reconciliation coming at last. Basically, the ‘modern scandal’ phenomenon becomes a full cycle instead of a one-time thing, and the controversies of Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings, as well as Denise Julia and BJ Pascual, are testaments of this cycle coming to life.

Both controversies had similar beginnings — accusations and drama that quickly gained traction online.

In Maris and Anthony's case, looking back now, it is clear that Maris’ decision to speak openly and admit fault was a game-changer. Her approach became a model for crisis management, not just for celebrities, but for anyone navigating the tricky waters of public mistakes.

By publicly acknowledging her part in the issue and expressing genuine regret, she quickly diffused the situation, transforming it into a personal growth narrative. Her transparent approach was what resonated most with her audience, showing that vulnerability in a time of crisis can lead to greater public admiration. Her ability to own the situation with humility made her appear not just as a star but as a real, relatable person.

 

Anthony, on the other hand, responded more conservatively. His short apology, though sincere, did not carry the same emotional weight as Maris’. While effective in calming the situation, his approach did not invite the same level of connection with the public. Looking back, his restraint may have been a smart move to avoid further fueling the drama, but it also revealed a missed opportunity for deeper emotional engagement with his audience.

 

On the other hand, the situation between Denise and BJ began when the latter publicly criticized Denise for her unprofessional behavior on set. In an industry where time is money, Denise’s lateness and last-minute cancellation became a focal point of BJ’s frustration. At first, it seemed as though the two might be locked in a bitter feud. However, looking back, it is clear that both parties could have handled the situation with more grace.

 

Denise’s initial response was defensive. Rather than immediately owning up to the issue, she tried to explain away her actions by citing personal problems. The longer Denise waited to address the issue, the more room there was for public speculation. Returning to the controversy now, it is evident that the public valued clarity and transparency over defensiveness. In hindsight, a quicker, more direct response could have helped defuse the situation and maintain her professional image.

 

BJ Pascual, for his part, handled his initial outburst with conviction but did not escalate the situation. He did not engage in an extended public war of words, and by stepping back after his first statement, he allowed the issue to cool down.

 

Looking back at the controversies that shaped 2024, accountability is no longer a nice-to-have quality for celebrities — it is a must-have. In a world where every tweet, Instagram story, and even a single misstep can be dissected and spread across social media in seconds, public figures have learned the hard way that owning up to their mistakes is no longer just an option but a necessity. The era of hiding behind publicists or deflecting blame is over.

 

In 2024, the public’s expectations were clear: celebrities must demonstrate authenticity, acknowledge their mistakes, and show genuine remorse if they hope to maintain the trust and admiration of their fans.

 

In Maris and Anthony's situation, it is clear that Maris’ decision to address the scandal head-on, own her mistakes, and publicly apologize set a new standard. Rather than retreating or passing blame, Maris leaned into transparency. In a time when social media culture demands quick responses and carefully curated images, Maris chose to show vulnerability. Their issue underscored an important point: it's not just about the severity of the mistake but about how you respond when you're under scrutiny.

 

Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Denise and BJ painted a different picture. Denise’s initial reluctance to immediately take responsibility and the delay in her apology allowed the narrative to take on a life of its own. While she did later provide context and offer an apology, it was her defensiveness at the outset that lost her the opportunity to connect with her audience in the way Maris had. Her public relations misstep in the early stages of the controversy highlights a critical lesson: accountability, when delayed or presented as a defense, does not land as effectively. BJ's measured response, in contrast, showed that while confrontation can be necessary, respect and understanding are key to resolving tensions without further damage.

 

It is clear that accountability has evolved from a rare and often avoided act into a necessary form of currency for maintaining public favor. In a time when everyone is watching, and mistakes can go viral in seconds, the ability to own one's actions has become a defining feature of a successful public persona.

 

The lesson is simple: the public is not just invested in what celebrities do — they are invested in how they respond. For those celebrities who take the time to reflect, learn, and grow from their mistakes, their reputations will be the ones that last.

Cancel culture, while often seen as a way to hold individuals or groups accountable, comes in a double-end spectrum. While it might serve as a tool for highlighting harmful actions or words, it can quickly escalate into an environment where people are judged and condemned without a deeper understanding of the situation. The power of words in this context is undeniable; the internet amplifies voices, and a single statement or mistake can spiral into widespread backlash, sometimes unfairly. 

On both ends of the spectrum, the reality of cancel culture reveals its potential to breed negative sentiments. In an attempt to demand accountability, people often find themselves caught in a cycle of cyberbullying, where condemnation replaces genuine discourse. What could have been an opportunity for someone to learn and evolve often turns into a public roundabout of shame, which does little to address the root cause of the issue. Rather than fostering understanding, cancel culture can inadvertently isolate individuals, making it difficult for them to learn from their mistakes in a supportive environment.

Demanding accountability is essential, but it should not come at the cost of empathy or the desire to understand the full context. Changing perspectives is not about turning to negative vices or ostracizing those in need of growth. We must look deeper into situations, focusing on more than just what is readily available at the surface level. True accountability comes from informed judgment, where there is room for proper exchange of opinions, growth, and the chance for individuals to make amends without being permanently labeled for a single mistake.

Just as seen in the aforementioned controversies, social media was the game setting. This technology has allowed speed connectivity and rapid exchange of ideas. However, this same speed comes on a daring end fueling the rapid spread of misunderstanding and negativity — such as misinformation and cyberbullying. For both of the issues, the awareness it brought to the public came parallel to having emotions further escalated, tensions amplified, and even division emulsified. 

The challenge here lies in navigating the gray area between freedom of expression and the potential harm that comes from unchecked or impulsive commentary. The speed at which opinions are formed and shared often leaves little room for meaningful conversation, and the boundaries between constructive criticism and destructive shaming can become out of sight. This creates an environment where people might feel pressured to conform to popular opinions or worse, face backlash for expressing their thoughts openly.

To truly benefit from this technology, we must learn to exercise caution and foster a space for both self-growth and critical thinking. While the platforms offer a powerful means of communication, it's important to be mindful of how we engage with others and how we respond to differing viewpoints. Striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsibility requires a conscious effort to be empathetic and constructive. We should aim to use social media not just as a platform for airing grievances, but as a tool for learning, understanding, and positive change.

The deeply engaging nature of the entertainment industry entails a resonating effect both on the ends of the entertainers and the audiences. Whether coming from Denise Julia’s heated negotiation with BJ Pascual or Maris Racal’s hot takes, they offer us a lens to reconsider how we, as a society, respond to human errors and misunderstandings. It highlights the lesson that we must always choose to live for the better. 

As we live in the year 2025, let us foster more critical thinking, wise judgments, good deeds, and avoid the temptation to indulge in entertainment at the expense of others. Rather than laughing at the stumbles of those around us, let screenshots tell the well-lived tale of people, prompted by the real definition of humanity — capturing stories of kindness, resilience, and the goodness of the nation.