Your Voice: Food delivery drivers underappreciated during Covid-19; time for life to return to normal (short letters)
- One student thinks that Facebook changing its name to Meta won’t solve any of the social media platform’s problems
- Another student writes that medical workers should get free therapy to deal with the stress of the coronavirus pandemic
The workload for food delivery drivers increased a lot during the pandemic, as many people were social distancing and staying at home. Photo: ShutterstockMeta still has mega problems
I am writing in response to the opinion article titled “Rebranding will not let Facebook off the hook” (South China Morning Post, November 3).
Recently, Facebook’s CEO announced the company had changed its name to Meta. But this is a short-sighted method to address criticism of the company.
Facebook users have long been doubtful of the social media platform’s privacy protections. The company has promised to delete all “faceprints”, which are used for its facial recognition system, but this is not enough to put people’s minds at rest.
Rebranding changes the company name, but it does not change its internal operation. To regain people’s confidence, Facebook must think of a better solution.
Carly Yuen Yuk-wing, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School
Here’s what we would rename Facebook
Underappreciated workers in HK
When we use food delivery apps, we may not be aware of the delivery drivers’ working conditions. They face pressure to make many deliveries in a short amount of time, receive little money and even encounter troublesome customers. We should be thankful to them instead of discriminating against them if they happen to be South Asian.
Another group overlooked in Hong Kong are street cleaners, who remove rubbish from the streets to ensure the city is clean. They often may not even have proper protective gear.
We owe gratitude to these people especially during these past two years.
Bess Chan Chun, CCC Heep Woh College
Hong Kong delivery apps take action after racist requests
Medical staff need healing too
Hong Kong’s medical field is facing two major problems – the increasing demand for medical services and the declining mental health of those who work under extreme pressure. While hiring foreign-trained doctors could help, there should also be ways to help them cope with the intense stress from the workplace.
Hospitals should offer free therapy sessions and limit working hours. They should also create a place for staff to meditate and take breaks every few hours to recover from their stress. They will be more efficient after recharging.
Governments should make these measures compulsory. It will safeguard the mental health of medical professionals who have contributed a lot to society.
Candy Wong, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School
More than five million people have died from coronavirus
Let’s get back to normal life
Before 2020, we had many activities with our friends. For example, schools hosted sports competitions and outings. But since the Covid-19 outbreak, we no longer have these activities.
At first, we needed to reduce the spread of the disease. But now, we should no longer cancel these events as the pandemic has already cost us many memories with friends and family.
I hope the activities can be held again no matter how many people have been vaccinated. Most would agree to hold these events so society can return to normal. These events are important, as they can create many cherished memories.
Jason Chan, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
How to fix relationships damaged by Covid-19
A sponge that doesn’t get wet
Hong Kong’s education is like a sponge that does not get wet – dipping students in information but removing them before they can absorb anything.
Exams mainly require students to restate information. Thus, they spend more time scanning pages for words instead of studying concepts. They might get good grades from memorising facts, but they cannot digest the information.
With a school system preparing people for tests rather than real-world problems, many end up lost in adulthood. Most companies will not tell employees to retain spoon-fed information.
Instead of just listening to a teacher read, students should figure out the thought behind the ideas. If they fully understand a topic, they will also learn to use logic.
Ko Yan-kiu, STFA Leung Kau Kui College
Hong Kong schools are just too boring
Zero Covid is worth living with
I am writing in response to the article “Zero Covid still less costly than living with it, China’s top expert Zhong Nanshan says” (South China Morning Post, November 2).
It may feel like Hong Kong is not benefiting from the zero-Covid strategy. But we must remember that our ultimate aspiration is to end the pandemic. Any local cases can lead to an uncontrollable spread of the virus.
We should learn to live with the changes, even if many activities have come to a halt. The future is unpredictable, so we should live in the present. We can cultivate our interests and find new hobbies.
Hopefully, the zero-Covid strategy will soon be vindicated, and society can return to normal.
Yat Lee, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School