Evaluation and Effects of Media to the Filipino Youth
Filipinos remained as top social media users in the world with around 76 million people
active online in 2019. Report showed that Filipinos spend over 10 hours on the internet via
any device with around 4 hours allotted for social media. For a developing country, the
internet and social media have been a great improvement in the technological aspect of the
nation as communication and transmission of information has been much easier for
Filipinos, especially for the youth. At this moment, one could not say that his or her life has
not been touched by social media provided that the world is typically at the information age.
However, due to the fact that there is currently a myriad of issues associated with the
Filipino youth and the use of social media, many has questioned its effects, whether it has
been positive or negative.
It is undeniable for everyone that life has been easier with faster communication, which is
what social media provides. The use of communication tools also maintains relationships
given that it helps people to connect with their loved ones and friends regardless of their
location. It also helps teens to effortlessly collaborate and work on their homework and
projects. Moreover, different social media platforms have been a good avenue for many
content creators to share their technological savvy and creativity to mass audience. Most
media content have been providing inspiration to many Filipinos especially when it spreads
positivity and encourages people. It has also strengthened social awareness and provided
support to causes that enabled Filipino youth to engage more in issues within their
community. addition, Filipino youth have been talking more about environmental
sustainability, animal cruelty, proposed government policies, and other issues
However, although many have access to social media and are currently active online, not
everyone has the literacy or skill to use the technology in a critical way. Media contents can
spread in a matter of seconds not only across the country but also all over the world, which
is why no matter what the content is, it can influence an individual in a positive or negative
way. Some teenagers have been using Facebook and Twitter to express themselves, which
is not really a bad thing, but they are using it to share their negative sentiments to the point
which it can even be considered as defamation and cyberbullying. There is a fine line
between a constructive criticism and hate, and most Filipinos usually fail to see it. For
instance, the issue with Leng Altura endorsing an obscene clothing line received numerous
hate and negative feedback from Filipino netizens. Some netizens attacked her and called
her names which are degrading while others criticized her actions and even tried to educate
her on what she did wrong. Additionally, the youth is often misled by misinformation through
the circulation of "fake news" or "fake stories". One issue was with Vice President Leni
Robredo who was quoted she wanted to prohibit police from carrying firearms and allow
drug suspects to carry guns and during drug operations which was false. Nevertheless,
Filipino netizens were quick to call out Robredo on social media and post hate comments
regardless of misinformation.
Furthermore, social media technically takes part in shaping an individual's personality and
beliefs. Some of the youth tend to construct an online personality just to seek validation
from the audience, thus slipping away from their true character. For instance, some
teenagers post pictures of themselves in Instagram or Facebook, and the number of likes or
comments that they get is what determines their self-worth. In fact, there are a lot of
Facebook users who message, "Palike po ng profile pic ko. (Please like my profile picture.)"
to their friends and even to strangers. Others would even post in the comment sections
with, "Like for like?" or "Follow for follow?" In addition, social media often deceives people
into thinking that what they see online is what happens in real life. This virtual perception of
the real world often becomes the new "reality" especially to the youth, who are the common
victims of harmful media contents (e.g., negative propaganda, fake news). Social media is
where relationships can either start or end. Currently, a great number of youths gradually
creates a gap between their interpersonal relationships offline and those created online.
Filipinos are known for having close family ties, but the over usage of social media can put
these "intimacy" that Filipino families have at risk.
Considering all of these statements, it can be concluded that social media both brought
positive and negative impact to the Filipino youth. It has offered connectivity between peers,
enhanced team collaboration, provided platform for art and inspiration, and delivered
information effortlessly. On the other hand, when social media is abused or not used in a
critical way, it influences the end users negatively. It threatens one's self-concept and
identity, relationships, logical understanding and even intelligence. For that reason, it is
important to educate the young on having the essential skills to effectively engage with
social media (i.e., media and information literacy)
