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I’m Adrian Licong, I am a digital native and as far as I remember I have been on the internet all my life. Throughout the years I have tried numerous apps, websites, and social media to consume content for my entertainment. Although I mostly consume foreign media, mostly Western media– I do find myself consuming Filipino content as well. As a consumer of media I mostly consume memes, funny videos, Netflix original series, esports news, and Philippine news, which for me can be considered as pop culture as most memes and funny videos originate from this source. Notable examples of content from my list are vlogger memes, funny vine videos, Blacklist, and funny criminal interviews/news stories from credible news networks.

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The trend of Filipinos using news stories about crimes and violence as a meme template is a significant and concerning contemporary pop culture phenomenon. I chose this trend because it highlights the complex relationship Filipinos have with social media, news consumption, and humor. In a society where access to information is widespread, and social media platforms are a primary source of news, the lines between serious reporting and entertainment have been blurred. This trend reflects a coping mechanism, where humor is used to process and disseminate information about often traumatic events. However, it also raises ethical questions about desensitization, the potential for misinformation, and the trivialization of serious issues. It signifies a societal need to critically examine how we consume and share information in the digital age, and how we balance humor with respect for the gravity of real-world events.

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Through agenda-setting, the usage of crime and violent news in memes has a big impact on media consumption and social behaviors. These memes control what topic or issue receive a lot of attention by turning serious news into viral material, frequently overshadowing other urgent social issues. Whether amusing or disturbing, these memes' emotional effect guarantees their widespread dissemination and strengthens their position in the public mind. Complex societal issues are simplified into easily absorbed, frequently sensationalized stories as a result of this process. As a result, thoughtful conversation is undermined, and complex comprehension is given up for instant emotional responses. Constant exposure to these kinds of material can also cause desensitization, which changes how people view and react to violence in the real world.

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Politically, this trend influences agenda-setting by shaping public perception about law and order. By presenting news about crimes in a comedic or exaggerated way, memes can either trivialize or amplify public fear and outrage. This can pressure politicians to address specific crimes or issues highlighted in the memes, potentially diverting resources from other critical areas. Social media algorithms, driven by engagement, further amplify these narratives, creating an echo chamber that reinforces specific political agendas. This can impact election cycles, policy formulation, and public trust in institutions. The spread of these memes can also be used as a tool for political propaganda, manipulating public sentiment and creating a distorted view of reality.