Love in the time of data mining

In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a logistical phenomenon. This 14 February, the air will be thick with the scent of overpriced imported roses and the exhaust fumes of thousands of motorcycles. As we scramble to book tables at the latest “Instagrammable” bistro, millions of Filipino couples will outsource their romance to the gig economy. But beneath the flurry of heart-shaped emojis and “sweet” notifications lies a cold, calculated reality of data exploitation that would make even the most cynical Cupid blush.

This brings us to the most intimate pillar of our 2026 theme: The Conscience of the Code. In this era, love is no longer just a feeling; it is mediated, tracked and monetized by apps. When you “swipe right,” search for a bouquet, or book a staycation, you aren’t just making a choice — you are feeding a machine. We share our locations, our deepest preferences and our most intimate habits with platforms that treat us less like people and more like data points to be harvested. During this season, the “Modern Rogue” doesn’t wear a mask; he hides behind a predatory algorithm. We’ve seen a disturbing spike in “romance scams” and “loan shark” apps that target the lonely and the vulnerable, using the very data we surrender in our search for connection to trap us in cycles of debt or deceit.

But the “Digital Heart” of our nation isn’t just about those looking for love; it’s about those delivering it. This Valentine’s Day, let’s look at our “digital frontliners” — the riders navigating our broken roads and erratic weather to bring a semblance of romance to our doorsteps. While we celebrate the convenience of a “one-tap” lifestyle, we often ignore the fragility of the human being behind the screen.

Radical Accountability in 2026 demands that we look at the cost of our convenience. True love for the country — Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa, as Bonifacio would put it — means protecting the dignity of the worker. It is a tragedy that the platforms profiting most from the Valentine’s rush often offer their riders nothing more than “automated support” when they get into an accident or face harassment. We cannot allow our digital evolution to become a race to the bottom for labor rights.

To sustain the Unbreakable Thread of Filipino compassion, we must ensure our “C-level” Filipinos — the Consumers looking for genuine connection and the Couriers braving the Manila heat — are not sacrificed at the altar of high-speed profit. We need a “Conscience of the Code” that mandates fair wages over flash sales and data privacy over predatory tracking.

This February, as you exchange gifts, remember that the most powerful act of love is protection. Demand that the apps you use respect your humanity. Support the riders who keep our economy moving. Let’s prove that the Filipino heart is not for sale, nor is it a product to be mined. This year, let’s make sure that when we say, “I love you,” we aren’t just shouting into an algorithm, but building a society that actually cares back.