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The internet is a vast network of linked computers and other electronic devices that exchange information and communicate using established protocols. Access to internet resources including websites, email, social media, and online services is made possible through it.

(Merriam-Webster, n.d.)

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We all know that the Internet is one of the main tools in our daily lives. Somehow the internet helps and at the same time challenges Filipino society. According to Ramon Royandoyan, the Philippines was behind Thailand, and the kids are most likely affected and exposed to online risk and use the internet to do cyberbullying, hacking and even phishing. The information was used to establish each country's online risk exposure score. The scores were then divided into scales to measure the level of online risk exposure: 0-20 is very low, 21-40 is low, 41-60 is moderate, 61-80 is high, and 81-100 is extremely high.

The disadvantage of the internet

We Filipinos may have a problem as a result of the Internet. Among the issues are some of these.

1. Health issue

Most Filipinos waste their time on the Internet without knowing that they can get health issues such as eye strain, migraines, lack of sleep, depression, and stress. Due to the internet's ability to divert people from their regular healthy activities, many are becoming victims of such a serious disease.

2. Addiction

Filipinos spend their time using the internet. Filipinos spend an average of 4,252 days or 11.6 years on social media during their lifetime, according to a new social media analysis (2020). People spend time engaging in online gaming and other social media activities on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others, which makes them ignore their commitments, tasks, and regular exercise, which can lead to weight loss and physical unhealthiness.

3. Not Safe Place for Children

According to a recent report published, Filipino children are among the most exposed and sensitive to online threats in the world. The Internet is unsafe for children because of some harmful websites that can affect the younger generation. Filipino children might be affected by cyberbullying, scams, phishing, and get hacked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the fact that the internet has established itself as a necessary tool for Filipino society, there are still a number of issues and drawbacks associated with it that require attention. These difficulties include health problems that are frequently brought on by excessive internet use, such as eye strain, headaches, lack of sleep, depression, and stress. Internet addiction is a rising problem that results in disregard for obligations and physical health. Furthermore, cyberbullying, fraud, phishing, and hacking are all problems that Filipino youngsters are particularly susceptible to when using the internet.

References

Rayondoya R. (2022). Filipino kids are the second most vulnerable to online threats globally  study

Subingsubing K. (2020). Scroll-down nation: Pinoys top social media users

Ramos M. (2014). Epidemiology of internet behaviors and addiction among adolescents in six Asian countries

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The Information Age: A Double-Edged Sword in the Philippines

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The Information Age: A Double-Edged Sword in the Philippines

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A time in human history known as the "information age" is where knowledge is created, used, and shared via digital technology like computers, the internet, cellphones, and social media, with both advantages and disadvantages. Digital age has altered human society’s access to information, communication, education, entertainment, and economic opportunities. However, it also has some challenges and risks, such as misinformation, digital divide, cybersecurity threat, and addiction. Therefore, it is both a boon and a bane.

The Boon of the Information Age

The way we communicate or interact with people, get and share information, and conduct a business has been changed by the Information Age. Here are some of the advantages that have made it beneficial for us Filipinos:

1. Access to Information

The Information Age has made an immense amount of information readily accessible to Filipinos. Most of us today have more knowledge, helping them to make wise judgements about a variety of elements of their lives.

2. Communication

Communication is now easier, quicker, and less expensive thanks to the internet. Filipinos may easily interact with their loved ones and peers, wherever they are, thanks to social media platforms and messaging apps like Messenger, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, and more. In addition to that, the engagements of the businesses with their customers, associates, and other professionals have been easier because of the information age.

3. Education

Filipinos who struggle with a lack of educational possibilities, particularly those living in distant locations, now have easier access to education thanks to the Internet. They routinely engage in lecture activities, work on assignments, conduct discussions, find informational sources, provide feedback, and carry out learning and teaching assessments using Zoom Meeting, Google Meeting, Google Classroom, and other educational platforms. Filipinos now have more opportunities to improve their abilities and meet international standards thanks to this innovation.

4. Entertainment

The internet has become increasingly popular among the general public in the Philippines as a substitute for traditional forms of entertainment. As a source of entertainment, Filipinos commonly use social networking, online gaming, and streaming services like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook to connect with friends and people around the world.

5. Economic Opportunities

Many Filipinos can now make a living and take part in the global economy because of the numerous online job opportunities, freelance options, and e-commerce platforms that the digital age has produced. Just like my friends Maria Althea and James. To make money and meet their needs and wants, they work online using devices with the internet such as laptops and cellphones.

The Bane of the Information Age

The Information Age has, however, also brought with it problems that Filipinos must deal with. These are a few of the difficulties:

1. Misinformation

Filipinos are more likely to be deceived by online information due to the rise of fake news and propaganda. Lack of media literacy and unclear information sources have lowered trust in the veracity of information, causing uncertainty and confusion that may have unfavorable effects. Sometimes individuals blindly believe what they read online without checking the sources' reliability or veracity.

2. Digital Divide

While access to information has improved, there remains a significant digital divide in the Philippines. Many marginalized communities lack access to the internet and miss out on the benefits of the Information Age.

3. Cybersecurity Threat

Online fraud and cybercrime threaten Filipinos’ personal and financial information, as the internet has opened new avenues for cyberattacks. Spam emails, identity theft, and phishing attacks are some of the frequent cyberattacks that Filipinos experience.

4. Addiction

Filipinos spend an average of 9 hours and 45 minutes per day online, mostly on social media, according to research by We Are Social and Hootsuite (2021). Overuse of the internet of digital technologies has led to addiction and a lack of physical activity that could be detrimental to Filipinos’ general health. People put off doing their tasks, forget their obligations, and get health issues because of them wasting their time being addicted to social media like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and by playing mobile games like Mobile Legends and Call of Duty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Information Age in the Philippines has brought both benefits and challenges to Filipinos. The technological advancements have opened new opportunities, enabling Filipinos to keep up with global standards. However, there are potential negative impacts that every Filipino must be aware of. To make certain that the information age or digital era are available to everyone, and that society is ready to outweigh its threat, it is important to harness its advantages while dealing with its downsides.

References:

Manila Bulletin. (2023, September 12). Combating cyber fraud in the Philippines: New initiatives unveiled at Cybersphere Philippines Forum 2023.

Tabuga, A. D., & Cabaero, C. C. (2021). Filipinos’ Access and Exposure to ICT: A General Overview based on the National ICT Household Survey (No. 2021-13). PIDS Discussion Paper Series.

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MANILA, Philippines – With most people having access to the internet, how can we be more responsible on social media? What can people do to foster a safe community on social media?The obligation of social media users in the Philippines

The Responsibility of Social Media Users

While social networks' fundamental notion is based on the idea of connecting with friends and family, their impact has far surpassed what these websites were originally intended for. Social networks are one of the most popular forms of communication in use today. These are places where individuals can interact with like-minded people, discover allies and enemies, and influence the world in both good and bad ways. Because of the emergence of these forums and previously unimaginable levels of connectivity, the globe has suddenly become very small and is at everyone's fingertips.

Keep Yourself Safe from Strangers

When interacting with strangers online, exercise caution and extreme caution. You never know who is really behind the screen, regardless matter how pleasant their profile is or how well-known they are on the site. Don't divulge any personal information when chatting with "friends" online. Never meet together in person with a new online friend; there's a good chance they aren't who they claim to be. And don't comply with any of their requests if you don't want to.

Know your Digital Rights

Not all social media users are aware of their digital rights. Human rights should be exercised through digital technologies. However, in most cases, these are violated online. I believe many women, LGBTQIA people, and other oppressed groups would agree. It's always been said that if you get slammed online, it's okay since it's only online. No, your rights were still violated, which is unacceptable.

On social media, hatred, wrath, and shame frequently become accepted due to the lack of or restrictive legislation on digital rights. Particularly relevant is the way in which we frequently view cyberbullying and other forms of online violence as passive and unharmful.

Be Mindful of How You Use Social Media

Responsible online users are urged to use content creation, consumption, and sharing to inform and empower others. This can be accomplished by simply assisting a family member in protecting their social media accounts, or it can be more difficult by using social media to mobilize movements and cause awareness among a larger audience.

You have access to a wealth of knowledge. T here is a web, an internet. We consume a lot of information, but the goal is to use literacy skills to identify the information I need, to use critical thinking, and ultimately to be able to act as a person with sound judgment.

Engage Meaningfully

Violence and hatred are fostered by misinformation. Online users can easily behave like internet trolls without even realizing it due to the increased disagreement on social media, especially when they see posts that disagree with their opinions.

Citizens should be receptive to information and criticism in order to maintain a positive online dialogue. People shouldn't be stigmatized for changing their minds about particular issues because opinions should be supported by facts, especially when they do so after learning new knowledge and supporting proof.

Lao, W. (2023, February 15). How can you be more responsible on social media? Here are some tips. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/technology/internet-culture/tips-responsible-digital-citizen-social-media-use/

Mathew, S. (n.d.). How to be responsible using social media as a student. CollegeXpress. https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/student-life/blog/how-to-be-responsible-using-social-media-as-a-student/

Responsible Use of Social Media | Open Education for a Better World. (n.d.). https://oe4bw.org/project/responsible-use-of-social-media/

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Balancing Act: AI Tools - Blessing or Curse

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Balancing Act: AI Tools - Blessing or Curse

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AI tools have seamlessly incorporated into our every day lives in our fast-paced, ever-upgrading world. Artificial intelligence has emerge as a crucial a part of our existence, from digital assistants like chatgpt to state-of-the-art algorithms powering self-driving vehicles and monetary markets. However, the controversy maintains to rage on whether or not AI tools are here to assist or a hindrance.

Repetitive duties consumed out time can now be automated, permitting personnel to be more attentive on greater innovative and strategic factors in their jobs. This will increase task efficiency and adds fuel for innovation.

The key to maximizing the advantages of AI and also the consequences of using them are:

Education and Reskilling: AI also helps us to gain more knowledge, especially when we need courses to gather more information. AI provides quick answers for our basic questions that may hinder us to do such work.

Ethical AI Development: Developers need to prioritize moral concerns while developing AI systems. Regular audits and assessments can perceive and correct biases, making sure that fairness and transparency occur.

Complementary Collaboration:  Rather than thinking of  AI as a replacement, we have to see it as a partner.

AI can make our task more easier and make us more productive.

Safeguarding Privacy: Protecting our data is paramount. Stricter policies and strong safety features need to be in the region to shield our privacy in an AI-pushed world.

Human Oversight: Maintain human oversight over critical systems and decisions. Even in highly automated processes, having human judgment as a fail-safe can prevent catastrophic errors.

As AI tools retain to advance, our courting with them can even evolve. The secret is to view AI as a device in our arsenal rather than a threat to our existence. When used judiciously and ethically, AI can empower us to acquire top-notch feats, enhancing our lives in ways we could have only within our dreams.

In summary, AI gear has both fine and bad aspects. They're like a double-edged sword that may be used for proper or harm. We must apply AI in a good way. By embracing AI however being careful about its future problems, we will create a higher destiny in which people and machines stay and work successfully.

References

Bostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.

Hanson, R. (2016). The Age of Em: Work, Love, and Life when Robots Rule the Earth. Oxford University Press.

Anderson, M. (2022, May 15). Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Friend or Foe? Business Times, pp. A1-A3. URL

Johnson, E. (2022, August 25). The Ethical Considerations of AI: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility. Tech Insights Magazine.

Williams, S. (2023, March 7). The Impact of AI on Everyday Life: A Balancing Act. Tech Trends Blog. URL

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The Dynamic Convergence of Media and Information Technology in the Philippines: Exhibiting Opportunities, Threats, and Challenges

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The Dynamic Convergence of Media and Information Technology in the Philippines: Exhibiting Opportunities, Threats, and Challenges

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Philippines have seen an extensive spectrum of possibilities of opportunities, risks or challenges due to the rapid changes in media and IT . Information access represents another chance. The internet penetration rate of the Philippines according to PSA (2020) stood at 67 percent for the year 2020. This signifies that a substantial segment of the populace has at present acquired convenient access to an immense measure of data, empowering them to remain educated and locked-in. Opportunities, on the other hand, are not easy or without threats and challenges. One example: misinformation. False news spreads 6x faster on social media platforms than the truth — Rappler (2018) has reported. This could pose threats to the functioning of democratic systems and undermine the integrity of source materials. Therefore, critical thinking of information consumed, as well as careful reporting and thorough fact-checking from media institutions, become crucial factors.

Opportunities

In the Philippines there is substantial potential for media and IT industries. The rapid advancement of technology in the nation led to a digital revolution that paved the way for new opportunities in communication, education, and economic activity. Internet connectivity increased remarkably in the Philippines, achieving a 2019 figure of 67%, or 43.5 million out of a total population of 61.8 million (ADB, 2020). Such wide usage of ICT enabled people, businesses as well as government entities to interact, cooperate, and evolve. Moreover, such platforms allowed users to voice their opinions, engage in discussions, and advocate for societal transformation. Undoubtedly, media and information tech provide Philippines opportunities to boost development across several social fronts.

Threats

While media-and-technology hybridization brings numerous benefits, the Phillippines is equally vulnerable to a range of potential harms. These threats include the propagation of fake news (Alampay, 2017). Disinformation spread through social media at speed undermines public trust, weakens traditional media, threatens democratic processes in the long term. This challenge can be met through cooperation between media companies, tech firms, and government in advocating media literacy and proper use of digital platforms.

Challenges

There remain many obstacles to the full realization of the potential of media and information technologies for the Philippines. For example, digital divide concerns where marginalized groups have limited technology or information access (De Guzman, & De Guzman, 2018). Creating bridges involves infrastructure development, digital literacy initiatives, and boosting public and private funding. And the governance and control of media and IT are another problem. It’s no doubt a hard balance to strike between freedom of speech and protecting our people from dangerous online speech. Modern and robust legislation needs to be put in place and stakeholders should be partnered up to deal with the new problems.

So to summarize, the Philippines is at the convergence point of a coming tech-revolution, where the media is merging with information technology. The convergence offers a plethora of opportunities with regards to economic development, social empowerment, education progress and others but comes with challenges such as misinformation and cybersecurity vulnerabilities to name just some. This is urgent calls to action from the Philippine government in terms of closing the digital divide, strict government regulation policies, massive awareness programs on digital literacy. Only when the UK opens its doors in that way can it maximise the potential of its media and tech industries, and protect public safety, too.

References:
• Alampay, E. P. (2017). Fake news and digital literacy in the Philippines. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319933206_Fake_News_and_Digital_Literacy_in_the_Philippines
• Asian Development Bank. (2020). Information and Communication Technology in the Philippines: Benchmarks for ICT Policy and Regulatory Frameworks. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/606371/ict-philippines-benchmarks.pdf
• De Guzman, A. B., & De Guzman, R. M. (2018). Bridging the digital divide: A Philippine experience. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326783314_Bridging_the_Digital_Divide_A_Philippine_Experience
• Gomez, J. (2019). Social media and political participation: The case of the Philippines. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333076619_Socia

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"Gaming in the Philippines: The Upsides and Downsides of Digital Entertainment" 

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"Gaming in the Philippines: The Upsides and Downsides of Digital Entertainment" 

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Online gaming is one of the most common and addictive hobbies that many people enjoy. Over 2 billion individuals are addicted to internet gaming, and most of them are students, a research claims. Additionally, it was shown that because they are more ardent players and regularly play cooperative games, boys are more likely than girls to develop an addiction to online gaming. The most popular online game in the Philippines is Mobile Legends. More titles like League of Legends, PUBG, and Call of Duty are included on the list. Because playing online games enables them to communicate with other players, not just in the Philippines but in other countries as well, students play these games to relax, entertain themselves, have fun with their friends, and meet more gamers. The problem is that most students can't regulate how much time they spend playing online games, which has an adverse effect on many aspects of their lives. The effects most likely to occur are those on their behavior, performance, and health.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF DIGITAL ONLINE GAMES

Enhances memory, brain’s speed and concentration

Players must retain and take in a lot of information when playing immersive games that need strategy and problem-solving abilities to win. Young players' short- and long-term memory can benefit from playing these games frequently. They might also hasten the brain's information processing. In addition, playing video games promotes the use of imagination, which aids in concentration and fosters perseverance.

Improve multi-tasking skills

In games where players must discover items while avoiding other enemies, attention to detail and quick reflexes are particularly crucial. Studies show that this type of gaming aids young gamers in developing their multitasking skills.

Building skills for future careers

The more challenging multiplayer online games aid in teaching players how to weigh risk and reward strategically and analytically. Young players must respond fast to game changes in order to win these games. Children can profit from this kind of gaming by developing skills that can be used to real-world careers that require problem-solving, analytical abilities, and strategic thinking.

Promotes teamwork and building confidence

Online multiplayer gaming benefits young players because it allows them the ability to take on a range of roles, including team leader or player cooperating to win. Working together and learning from one another through the shared experience helps increase children's self-confidence.

Provides a fun way to stay active

The popularity of games like Pokemon GO and Just Dance, which encourage kids to be active as they play, is an example of how gaming is good for kids. In addition, thanks to the rise of mobile gaming apps, kids may now play games while on the go. To keep your youngster active as they play, check out our list of interactive games.

Helps to develop mindfulness

Numerous video games and mobile applications have been created to support kids in managing their emotions and to promote good deeds, compassion, and empathy. For further information, see our collection of well-being apps.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF DIGITAL ONLINE GAMES

Addiction

Online gaming can become an obsession for certain people, and they find it impossible to break off. They spend a lot of time playing internet games. Their sense of reality is lost because they are consumed by the virtual world.

Isolation

Because they spend so much time in the virtual world, those who play online games are becoming less socially engaged. Social and verbal communication with others becomes difficult as a result of this. The likelihood of students becoming severely addicted to online games increases when they don't have many friends or spend a lot of time with their families. While having fun playing online games and communicating with other gamers, many are unknowingly cutting themselves off from reality and isolating themselves.

Behavior

Online gaming exposes students to a poisonous environment that makes them violent. They have become accustomed to it and perceive cyber-harassment as usual. Online gaming toxicity is frequently felt when the team is losing. The majority of participants take their participation in the game seriously, therefore competition is not common. Players engage in "trash-talk" with one another, which is blatantly abusive or violent language that can be extremely upsetting to a person's feelings.

Poor Academic

Addiction to online games can make kids disengage from their studies in the classroom, which can hurt their grades. They spend the most of their free time playing online games rather than doing their homework. Kids frequently neglect their homework after school in favor of playing video games with their friends. While some of them like playing video games to relax and have fun for a while, the majority reach a point when they can no longer stop. As a result, they began to focus more on playing video games than on their education.

Health Issues

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are worse when people play online games. It can also lead to obesity, poor sleep, headaches, eye pain, and head pain, all of which can impair eyesight and destroy brain tissue. Addiction to online gaming is really bad for one's health. A person can acquire a lot of illnesses and health problems if addiction is not treated. Yes, you are having fun and enjoying yourself, but your health is at risk.

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Media in the Philippines has undergone significant changes over the years, moving from traditional forms to modern digital platforms. This transformation has brought  both advantages and disadvantages to the country's media landscape.

-Accessible information : Democratizing knowledge

The emergence of new media platforms has made information more accessible to a wider audience in the Philippines.
It enables the democratization of knowledge, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to conveniently access information, educational content, and entertainment.

-Interact :Engage your audience

New media, especially social networks, promote greater interactivity between content creators and their audiences. This engagement allows for real-time discussion, comments and engagement, improving the overall media experience in the Philippines.

-Profitable :Leading the way for independent creators

New media platforms provide profitable channels for independent creators and small media companies.

This allows Filipinos to produce and share their content, thereby promoting diversity and creativity in the media landscape.

(Disadvantage )

-Spreading Misinformation :The Challenges of  Verification

With the ease of creating and sharing content, new media has also become a breeding ground for misinformation and fake news in the Philippines.
The challenge lies in verifying the accuracy of the information, which can lead to social problems.

-Privacy concerns : Data vulnerabilities

The digital nature of new media raises concerns about  privacy and data security.
Filipinos may face risks related to exposure of personal information  and possible privacy violations.

-Digital Divide :Unequal  Access

Although new media brings many benefits, not all Filipinos have equal access to the Internet and digital devices.
This digital divide could exacerbate existing inequalities in the Philippines, limiting access to the benefits of new media.

Conclusion:

The evolution of media in the Philippines from traditional to new media has brought many advantages in terms of accessibility, interactivity and cost-effectiveness. However, this also poses challenges related to misinformation, privacy, and unequal access. Striking a balance between exploiting the strengths and addressing the weaknesses is crucial to the future of Philippine media.