"Exploring the Intersection of Internet, Technology, and Media: A Comprehensive Blog Compilation" by Ariane Zane Robles

B.) Responsible Use of Social Media

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 06:37:40 UTC

D.) The Dangers of the Internet

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 06:38:56 UTC

F.) AI Tools: A Help or a Hindrance?

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 06:59:53 UTC

G.) Media: Then and Now

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 07:00:56 UTC

H.) Internet: The Boon and The Bane of the Information Age

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 07:01:23 UTC

I.) Digital (Online) Games: Its Positive and Negative Effects

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 07:01:46 UTC

B.) Responsible Use of Social Media

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 07:02:54 UTC

INTRODUCTION
I agree with this saying, which is very true because if we think a lot of times before taking an action or even uploading information in social media, it would be very best for us. "Think before you click" is a phrase we frequently hear from others or even in our school.

These days, it's crucial that we understand the proper use of social media, and we must use responsibility while posting or sharing any personal information online.

The use of social media is widespread. Today, it is one of the primary forms of communication. Even though they are far away, it is the quickest way to get in touch with your loved ones. Everyone may quickly and effectively share their thoughts, ideas, photographs, and information.

BODY
The use of social media can greatly simplify our lives and has many benefits. Social media may be used everywhere because it is a part of our daily lives. Although it has the ability to alter lives, most of these changes aren't usually for the better. There are always positive and negative effects to anything we do in this world, so we need to use great caution and understand our obligations when using different kinds of social media.

We need to be aware of the dos and don'ts when using different kinds of social media if we want to avoid this kind of tragedy.

Keep your profiles hidden first. It's best practice to keep your social media profiles and accounts set to private as a general rule.

Second, avoid from publishing inappropriate images or statements.

Third, avoid posting your location. While it may be tempting to share pictures from your vacation or while out and about, doing so indicates to anybody who has access to your social media accounts that your home is empty and could tempt an intruder to break in at this time.

Fourth, check before publishing when you're feeling extra sensitive. Making a social media post out of anger can feel cathartic in the moment, but it can also have long-lasting effects. Always keep in mind that once something is uploaded online, it cannot actually be deleted or taken down. Be aware of the consequences before publishing a message on social media when making an emotionally charged statement.

And last but not the least, Avoid using devices excessively as this might have a negative impact on both mental and physical health.

CONCLUSION
By following these recommendations, we can prevent unhealthily using online platforms and ensure that our interactions on social media are beneficial. It's time for all of us to start developing healthier social media usage habits.

ENRIQUEZ, PATRICIA NICOLE G.

D.) The Dangers of the Internet

s2022105633 — 2023-09-16 07:03:56 UTC

"The Internet's Greatest Threats: Protect Yourself Today"

Do you ever consider the possibility of life without the internet? Or do we "can't" live without the internet because we are so terrified of not having it? Although most people can't because they are too reliant on the internet, others can. We all know that the internet has altered the way we live, work, and communicate, connecting people and information from across the world in an instant, so it appears like their lives revolve around it and depend on it. It has widened the gap between us and facilitated greater access to knowledge. But a wide range of risks come along with the internet. From cyberbullying to identity theft to online predators and scams, the internet has developed into an escape for malicious activities that may have widespread and fatal consequences. It is essential that we understand these dangers and take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the potential harm that can arise from our online activities. In this article, we will dive into the most significant internet dangers and provide some tips to stay safe in the digital world.

Cyberbullying

One of the dangers of the internet is cyberbullying. Social media and online forums can become places where people can hide behind anonymity and make hurtful comments towards others. The internet provides a platform for bullies to harass, intimidate, and humiliate others. Through social media, it has become easier for people to bully and say hurtful things to others without immediate consequences. This type of bullying takes place online; it can take many forms, like name-calling, spreading rumors, and posting hurtful comments or images. It can have devastating effects on mental health and wellbeing, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide. According to Unicef Philippines, online bullying remains prevalent in our country. A Unicef survey of 2019, says that one in three young people in 30 countries are bullied online, and one in five said they skipped school due to cyberbullying and violence. It only shows that our country can’t escape cyberbullying and the negative effects of it, particularly on kids and students. So, it is important that parents and educators talk to children about cyberbullying and prevent it from happening in the first place, so always #ThinkBeforeYouClick.

Cybercrime

Another one of the biggest internet dangers is the risk of cybercrime. The internet can be a place where people can be someone else, and our personal and financial information can be stolen. Hackers and scammers are constantly trying to steal personal information, like credit card numbers and login credentials. Cybercriminals use techniques like phishing, hacking, and malware to steal our personal and financial information. They can use this information for identity theft, blackmail, and other fraudulent activities. According to Philstar, the Philippine National Police says cybercrime is the 'greatest threats' to Filipinos. So, it is really a serious problem that we are facing in terms of using the internet. It is important to be vigilant and take precautions such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious emails, and keeping your software up to date.

Online Predators

There are people who use the internet to prey on children and teenagers. According to ISEA, online predators are internet users who exploit children and teens for sexual and violent purposes. This may include grooming a child, engaging in sexual activities, exposure to materials and pictures, online harassment, and threats to cause fear or embarrassment. With social media and online gaming becoming popular avenues, they pose a vulnerable avenue to online predators who may be posing as other children or adults. Adult predators looking to groom children online often visit social media websites popular with young people and pretend to be their age. They may use social media, chat rooms, or other online platforms to gain the trust of young people and then exploit them. Once an online relationship has been established, the adult may try to win their trust. The groomer will then frequently steer the conversation toward sex. The child might feel under pressure to send the groomer explicit videos or pictures of themselves. In the worst situations, the groomer may even move in to meet the child and force them to meet in person. The child's friends or family might get a threat from the groomer that they will see the private images and videos. So, it’s better for parents to guide and educate their children about online predators and be responsible guardians for the young ones.

Addiction

Internet addiction is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress, (Shaw and Black, 2008). The internet can be addictive; internet addictions such as online gaming, social media use, and other forms of internet addiction can lead to problems such as poor academic performance, social isolation, and even physical health problems. To prevent internet addiction, it is important to set a time limit on online activities and engage in other activities like exercise and socializing with friends and family.

Spread of Misinformation

Another danger of the internet is the spread of fake news. With the online spread of information, it has become easier than ever to spread false information to millions of people. It can be difficult to distinguish between what is right and what is not. This can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and even dangerous decisions. It can also have serious consequences, such as influencing public opinion, causing panic, and even inciting violence. Remember that not everything you see online is true. So, you must verify the information before sharing.

In conclusion, it is important that we are aware of the dangers of the internet. As we discussed, we can work for a safer online community. It is important to educate ourselves and others about the potential risks of the internet and how to avoid them. By taking the proper precautions, such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and monitoring internet usage, we can enjoy the internet while minimizing the risks. By doing so, we can help ensure that the internet can be enjoyed by everyone without internet dangers.

References:
Shaw M, Black DW.(2008) Internet addiction: definition, assessment, epidemiology and clinical management. CNS Drugs. 2008;22(5):353-65. doi:10.2165/00023210-200822050-00001. PMID: 18399706.

https://www.infosecawareness.in/concept/children/online-predators

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/09/2236412/pnp-says-focus-cybercrime-among-greatest-threats-filipinos

Online bullying remains prevalent in the Philippines, other countries (unicef.org)

Nayve, Roela May D. - ABM 12-B

H.) Internet: The Boon and The Bane of the Information Age

kimberlynicolebriones — 2023-09-17 09:40:55 UTC

New Media Eon: A Fors and
Detriments

In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in researching the role of new media technologies in many fields such as business, media, education, mass communication, and so on. Web 2.0 technologies are common terms for new media technologies. The use of old media such as magazines, television, newspapers, radio, and other traditional media forms has declined dramatically in recent years, while the internet has rapidly taken over the place of old media; as a result, old forms of mass communication are becoming extinct with each passing day. (Wu Y, 2018.) In addition, the concept that access to and control over information is the defining feature of this current period in human civilization is known as the “Information Age.” But, more importantly, does the information age have an optimistic effect on us? or detrimental to us?

The conventional educational programmes is one of the trump card of the new media technologies. As the educational method has been transported to the learner's area via electronic networks, regardless of the distance that separates them. The student can engage in the educational process regardless of time or location by using a computer and multimedia programs. Teleconferencing will allow individuals from all over the world to communicate with one another. Capable of sharing ideas and knowledge about various research projects, exchanging notes, bibliography etc.

“The transformation of education may be the most important of the many practical revolutions sparked by computer technology together. No facet of civilisation will be altered more radically” (Robertson, 1998 p.93)

Also, while in the businesses the major ascendancy of the company activities and procedures are semi-automated or fully automated, resulting in less human involvement with the machine. The computer can function with little or no human intervention. When compared to manual methods, this implies that firms save money on operations and human resources. Lastly the globalization, the new media technologies have transformed the world into an information village. You may monitor what is going on in another country or continent in real time. In the information age, society is so interconnected that individuals may know what is going on where and when, as if they lived in a tiny town.

While one of the major issues in the new media technologies is that there is more information than our brains can comprehend at once. Today, practically anybody may publish and disseminate information, whether it is true or not. People are left with a lot of information to comprehend. People might suffer from infobesity, which occurs when there is an abundance of knowledge that is detrimental to the user. In winding up, hackers can steal sensitive information and data, both from members of the public and government offices, because of System Vulnerabilities. Poorly developed software programs or poorly planned or executed network systems generate vulnerabilities that hackers may attack and utilize to steal data. Outdated antivirus software might potentially lead to vulnerabilities. Viruses can be created quickly and spread even faster.

As can be seen from the boon and bane of this, we cannot turn a blind eye to the Internet Society (IS). Everything has advantages and disadvantages; yet, we live in a period where new media technologies are a pervasive aspect of existence. The urgent challenges of today--global warming, pandemics, globalization, political reformations, and scientific and medical discoveries--require one to be an informed citizen because “a particular piece of information may actually change from private to public good or vice versa according to the context” (Large, 1999 p.21). The Information Age will be beneficial to individual citizens, hence bolstering society as a whole.

References:

Large, Andrew… [et.al]. Information seeking in the online age: principles and practice. London: Bowker Saur, 1999.

Robertson, Douglas. The new renaissance: computers and the next level of civilization. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1998.

Wu Y. Social media engagement in the digital age: accountability or threats. Newsp Res J. (2018) 39:287–96. doi: 10.1177/0739532918796236

Briones, Kimberly Nicole C.
ABM 12 B

G.) Media: Then and Now

kimberlynicolebriones — 2023-09-17 10:28:24 UTC

"What is Media then and now?"

When we hear the word media, what comes to our minds? Is it Communication? Social Media? Technology? Yes, media is the communication channel used to communicate, share, gather and store information or data. As time passes by, the means of communication changes in terms of technology and modernization. People slowly discover new knowledge and ideas to improve the use of media and make communication a lot easier by developing new technology.

Earlier, in the pre-industrial age, people had no machines and only used any available resources to communicate and disseminate information. They used rocks, wood and even carve or paints in caves to write down ideas. Then in the 1700s people started discovering the use of power of steam and made machines. In terms of media and technology they invented the printing press and started to use newspapers to spread news. After discovering and creating machines to make our lives easier, we are now going into the electronic age where long distance communication is being used effectively. The use of cellphones, telephones, television, DVD, and more is very common at this age. They’ve already created the transistor that helps in the functioning of electronic devices. Then, we head to the information age or the computer age, in this stage people are now in use of better technology and developed much easier ways to communicate and gather information. The use of the internet is present at this time. People can now research and upload information easily online. Lastly, the internet of things, where people are now more connected to social media and technology. People can now easily research ideas and are now able to connect with other people wherever they are with just one click. The life-enhancing technology is present means people are now living a much easier life and using high technology in terms of communication, sharing and gathering information.

To sum things up, media then is very different from media now, from using rocks to having everything online is very life changing and amazing. Us humans are really intelligent when it comes to media and technology, whether there’s technology or not, we always find ways to improve and develop media with the use of any available resources to have the most convenient ways to live in and to make life and communication easier.

Robles, Ariane Zane A.

Ideas from MIL discussion about the evolution of media

F.) AI Tools: A Help or a Hindrance?

kimberlynicolebriones — 2023-09-17 10:29:39 UTC

Impact of Artificial intelligence to people

When we hear Ai tools, we instantly answer Chatgpt, grammarly, etc. The use of ai tools is powered by writing tools in English. Today many students use grammar checks, writing aids, and works that AI will generate without any human help. This method can help students save their time and efforts in an easy, effective and fast usage, as well as, AI writing helps students with low english skills and abilities. By using AI tools, students can immediately improve their writing and more knowledge skills faster. Others voice concerns that AI tools can have side effects, however AI writing tools are intended to generate many parts of a paper or writing such as syntax, content, vocabulary, and structure.

Researchers says that the positive outcomes of using AI tools shows that not only they can correct your wording but also can paraphrase and refine sentences for enhancing good quality writing. The usage of Grammarly improved students by their grammar and punctuation, Grammarly generates the user's text by sentence structure, punctuation, clarity, enthusiasm, and delivery. Not Grammarly but also Quillbot, on the other hand this ai focuses on paraphrasing and aids students in avoiding plagiarism while preserving the original meaning of their work. Despite this many AI tools are still present in using many students with their studies, not only these examples but many AI tools are still developing today.

Not only positive outcomes, there is a negative or hindrance of using AI tools. Due to their tendency to rely too heavily on these tools for correction before fully understanding their mistakes, AI writing tools may unintentionally encourage students to rely too much on them. They may be unable to learn naturally or to self-edit as a result of this independence. Students' critical thinking abilities may decline if they depend more and more on AI writing tools. They were worried that students would disregard the process of writing learning, growth, and development in favor of rapid fixes from AI technologies rather than actually understanding and learning from their mistakes.

Reference:
Marzuki, N., Widiati, U., Rusdin, D., Darwin, D., & Indrawati, I. (2023). The impact of AI writing tools on the content and organization of students’ writing: EFL teachers’ perspective. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2023.2236469

Kathryn Xiane Bato

I.) Digital (Online) Games: Its Positive and Negative Effects

kimberlynicolebriones — 2023-09-17 10:30:30 UTC

"Exploring the Dual Nature of Digital (Online) Games: Positive Benefits and Drawbacks"

Introduction

In today's digital era, online games have firmly established themselves as a ubiquitous form of entertainment. Spanning from casual mobile diversions to immersive multiplayer experiences, they offer a vast array of entertainment options. However, much like any other form of entertainment, online games are associated with both positive and negative effects. In this blog post, we will explore the intricate balance between the benefits and drawbacks of engaging with digital games, highlighting their significant influence on our lives and well-being.

The Adverse Effects of Excessive Online Gaming

Since the early 2000s, researchers have shown an increasing interest in online gaming addiction. Numerous empirical studies have been conducted to scrutinize the different aspects of problematic online gaming and its potential to lead to addiction. Some of the negative psychosocial consequences associated with excessive online gaming include:

Neglect of Responsibilities: Excessive gaming can lead to the neglect of real-life responsibilities such as work, education, and social obligations.
Increased Stress: Intense gaming sessions can contribute to heightened stress levels, affecting mental and emotional well-being.
Isolation: In extreme cases, individuals immersed in online gaming may become socially isolated, which can have a detrimental impact on their overall quality of life.
Lower Academic Achievement: Excessive gaming can negatively influence academic performance due to a lack of focus and time management.
Aggressive Behavior: While the link between violent video games and real-life aggression remains debated, some studies suggest a potential association.
Financial Strain: In-game purchases and microtransactions can lead to financial problems when players spend excessive amounts on virtual items.

Treatment for problematic video game use and addiction is an area of ongoing research, with a need for controlled studies to determine the most effective approaches. This lack of comparative treatment studies may indicate a gap in the demand for psychological and psychiatric services for those struggling with gaming addiction.

Positive Effects of Online Gaming

Online games aren't solely associated with negative consequences they also offer several positive effects, including:

Cognitive Development: Games have been used as a tool for cognitive development for decades. They can enhance basic cognitive functions, promote abstract thinking, and support complex grammar structure understanding.
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): Playing games can facilitate the Zone of Proximal Development, as proposed by Vygotsky, the zone of proximal development (ZPD) refers to the difference between what a learner can do without help and what he or she can achieve with guidance and encouragement from a skilled partner.
Motivation Enhancement: Digital interactive games, especially those involving peer cooperation and coordination, can significantly boost learners' motivation to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Sleep Quality Concerns

In recent times, concerns about the impact of online games on sleep quality have arisen. Preliminary studies suggest that excessive gaming, particularly on smartphones and laptops before bedtime, can lead to changes in sleep patterns among college students. Such habits may result in delayed sleep and diminished concentration during academic lectures, ultimately affecting academic performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, online games offer a diverse range of experiences with both positive and negative effects. To make the most of this form of entertainment while minimizing potential harm, it's crucial to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other life activities. Striking this balance is essential for our overall well-being, as excessive gaming can lead to other negative consequences, as discussed earlier. As someone who values organization and their studies, there are several practical tips you can consider to achieve this balance effectively. For example, set time limits, prioritize your responsibilities, and study always comes first. Create a schedule for your gaming like on weekends or every night after your homework, limit your game purchases lastly educate yourself. If you consider these practical tips you will be able to call a responsible gamer.

By embracing these practical tips, you can become a responsible gamer who enjoys the benefits of online gaming while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. This approach not only ensures your academic success but also contributes to your overall well-being. Remember, balance is key, and with discipline and awareness, you can make the most of your gaming experience while excelling in your studies and other responsibilities.

References:

Griffiths, M. D. (2014). Online Games, Addiction and Overuse of. The International Encyclopedia of Digital Communication and Society, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118767771.wbiedcs044

Lin, K., Yu, W., & Hung, J. C. (2012). The effects of online interactive games on high school students’ achievement and motivation in history learning. International Journal of Distance Education Technologies, 10(4), 96–105. https://doi.org/10.4018/jdet.2012100108

Mental health in the digital age. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com.ph/books?hl=en&lr=&id=WwHWBgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT47&dq=Treatment+of+Problematic+Video+Game+Use+and+Video+Game+Addiction&ots=NfeJTnGxV6&sig=NglA40qWjzeRqC5JvhQDS5roicw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Treatment%20of%20Problematic%20Video%20Game%20Use%20and%20Video%20Game%20Addiction&f=false

Orillo, Ma. Althea Teresse I.

C.) Information vs Misinformation vs Disinformation

kimberlynicolebriones — 2023-09-19 14:32:57 UTC

C.) Information vs Misinformation vs Disinformation

kimberlynicolebriones — 2023-09-19 14:33:20 UTC

"Uncover The Facts"

“In this age of information, ignorance is a choice.” - Donald Miller

Do you often watch or read the latest news? Do you check the truthfulness of all the articles you see online? Or are you one of those people who believe that “If it is from the internet then it is true, and you can’t question it?”

Since the invention of the internet, networks have been created to improve data and information sharing. Because of these, people have quick access to plenty of facts and knowledge. Although this could be a benefit and an advantage, there is still a drawback when it comes to ample sources of information. This downside is what we call “information overload.” There’s too much information online which leaves us conflicted and wondering if all of them are still factual or not. To be able to identify and classify misleading information, we have terms like misinformation and disinformation. Let us define the meaning of these two terms and determine if they have similarities or differences.

Information can be defined in three different ways. It can be a knowledge,a process, and a thing (Buckland, 1991). The concept of information is broad because it can be connected to other various concepts. It can be a representation of knowledge, data obtained by conducting research, and a part of the communication process. When the information disseminated is incorrect and misleading, this is what we call “misinformation”. But when false information is spread intentionally to deceive and cause harm to people, misinformation becomes “disinformation.”

Misinformation, according to Jerit & Zhao (2020), happens when people confidently believe untrue information and beliefs. Even though the spread of false information is unintended, the effects it can bring to someone is undoubtedly detrimental. It can cause misunderstanding and confusion, especially in political and social issues. Spreading erroneous information can also affect someone's health. Articles without scientific and valid evidence can mislead people and influence their decision to take medical treatments that might be harmful to their health. Most importantly, misinformation has a ripple effect in society which clouds their judgment and makes it hard for them to identify the veracity of the information they search for.

Disinformation, on the other hand, is much more destructive because unlike misinformation, it contains malicious intents. Some examples of disinformation include fake websites, deceptive advertisements, manipulated news articles, and internet fraud. These can be used to manipulate people's perceptions and beliefs for political or financial gain. It can also instill fear and increase panic among people especially when there is a spread of diseases just like what happened before in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of misinformation and disinformation on people can be alarming. To identify if the information presented to us is factual or not, we must learn how to be information literate. We should identify the source of information and evaluate its credibility. Implement responsible use of social media platforms and be someone that people can trust to spread the facts. By doing this, we can communicate effectively and efficiently to help society gain a better understanding of the information presented to them.

According to Brennan (2017), “False information has always existed and fake news has been a part of online news since it began." The internet allows us to view different kinds of information every day. What we need is awareness and an open mind to be able to think critically and use it to make smart decisions. We shouldn't let false information dictate our choices in life and instill endless doubts into our minds. Let's be skeptical and uncover the facts.

References:

Buckland, M., (1991) Information as a Thing https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=information+&oq=#d=gs_qabs&t=1695622513992&u=%23p%3DP53dX3xh_cIJ

Jerit, J., & Yangzi, Z. (2020) Political Misinformation. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-polisci-050718-032814

Brennan, B. (2017). Making sense of lies, deceptive propaganda, and fake news. Journal of

Media Ethics, 32, 179-180. https://epublications.marquette.edu/comm_fac/485/

Rivera, Regine Ann H. ABM 12-B