Tag Whatsapp University
Are We an Independent State
Political fads come and go. More so when the elections are around. National level fads peak at the time of the Lok Sabha elections. Having said that, they are not confined to those times. Before we begin, let me state that this is not a political post, even though it starts with the word “political”. This post is about a political phenomenon. Also, this post does not state the obvious for most people, because history from a couple of centuries ago has taken a back seat in our heads (as is evident by some of the responses that I saw on social media).
On Petrol Prices
As soon as someone complains about the fuel prices, we see some coming out in support of the hike, calling it an economy booster. I am no exception; I saw those forwards as well, for as long as I was on WhatsApp over the last year. In this post, we look at the good and the bad of such fuel price hikes, look at whether the government does indeed control the prices, what its implications are, and what we can do about it.
Enjoy Your Life With Covid 19
There was a time when I was a favourite student of WhatsApp University. When I realised the ultimate quality of education there, I was so envious of it that I quit. After all, those of us who have had the privilege to attend the mainstream universities would be jealous of the free-and-open system. This is why I dropped out of the university (and I made a video about it as well):
Powdered oxygen cylinder for COVID
WhatsApp is on fire these days. Another forward popped up a couple of days ago, which was a Tamil message. I have added a translation along with the message: - BST HEALTH உடலில் ஆக்சிஜன் அளவு 98 - 100 க்குள் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்று சொல்லுகிறார்கள்; 43 க்கு கீழ் ஆக்சிஜன் சென்றுவிட்டால், ஆக்சிஜன் சிலிண்டர் தேவை; ORAC-Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity என்று ஒரு கணக்கீடு உள்ளது; இதன்படி இந்த அளவுகோலில் ஆக்சிஜன் அதிகம் உள்ள பொருட்களை அவ்வப்போது நாம் சாப்பிட வேண்டும்.
COVID has become deadlier
It saddens me that we all fall prey to sensational WhatsApp forwards. And the fact that people I love and respect send this—and may take offence at my fact-checking the claims—worsens the feeling. This evening, I saw the following message in two of the groups that I am member of: From CMC Vellore Doctors’ Group The virus is back, this time with more energy, tactics and camouflage. We don’t cough
COVID and Credibility
One week is a long time sometimes. I have been waiting for some five days to make this post. On Tuesday that I received a message in one of the WhatsApp groups that I am part of, questioning the credibility of the WHO. Speaking of WhatsApp, I gave a talk at work about being a drop-out of the WhatsApp University. Check out the redone home version of the video here if it interests you.
The CAA is not about throwing out people
Over the last week, I saw protests everywhere. Most groups (not WhatsApp groups) that I am part of had a discussion about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act going. I even surprised some that I was taking the stand I was, given my track record of having ideas contrary to the ruling party’s. I find it difficult to explain to people that having rational thoughts is all I do. Let me get to the point: The CAA is not about throwing people out.
Is the JNU protest justified
Despite hating to say it, it started with WhatsApp University. WhatsApp University is a term used for all of those streams of knowledge tidbits that you get from WhatsApp, that replace your beliefs, your thoughts, your rationale with what’s now popular belief. There is a massive engine that drives this, and this engine includes people with the ability to write posts like this on their phones. This is amplified by people who have all the time in the world to forward them to the masses.
How to survive a heart attack when alone
I am part of a family WhatsApp group, and my people are quite active there. This is my door to what is known as WhatsApp University. One of the messages I received there was about surviving a heart attack when alone. The message that followed this was: I have received this msg several times… It has intrigued me. (sic) The message reads (sic): This is from Dr. Geetha Krishnaswamy, Please give your 2min and read this:-
The Secret Store of Oxygen
My weekends over the last month have been really great. There was this one during which we went to Mystery Rooms and played Abduction (thereby burning a hole in our pockets), the next one during which we went to Sakleshpur and had a blast. The last weekend wasn’t so eventful apart from riding my bike for a long distance and chilling out. And of course, binge-watching movies with my brother.