I think this is a good illustration of how these ads and sponsorships pop up in content nowadays. No matter which media you choose, there will always be an advertisement telling you to buy something. It is so pervasive that screens might as well have the words “shop now” written on them. Some content sponsorships are so subtle that you can’t really tell until you really look. Consumerism is so tightly interwoven with media that even in inappropriate circumstances, we just aren’t bothered anymore. It is worth noting that ads are too important for creators to let go of, which makes it feel even more suffocating.

Think about it. When was the last full day you haven’t seen an ad? 

I personally don’t remember anymore.

Kirsten Destiny V. Catigan
MS 11 - Z

When Axie infinity first gained popularity in 2021, many people decided to invest their money in it. Since many players have been flexing the house that they were able to build, the newly bought cars, and the millions they've earned from the game, it was seen as a "passive income" that could drastically change lives. Despite having little to no prior knowledge of the game, almost everyone was forced to participate.

Now, the game is in shambles, and many new players have lost their hard-earned money. As a result, it is now being labeled as a "scam". This example depicts how our society is quick to participate, as long as it involves making money. Because people feel pressured to succeed, today's youth are gullible and are easily persuaded by what they read online or see on social media. It’s toxic because our society puts so much emphasis on the outcome rather than the process, which causes us to become blind and unaware of the truth.

Veronica A. Villarosa
Section: R

One example of this is the expression, “Edi Wow”. It originated as a rhetoric to a person’s rude remarks that are seen as insensitive. For instance, this conversation:

Through a series of conversations like this, it has fully integrated into our daily lives. It is heard among peers, families, and even in the classroom setting. However, as it snowballed into something larger, it is also used in different contexts, making it harmful and insensitive regardless of the speaker’s intentions. For instance:

The conversation above shows how a person’s feelings can be easily invalidated by using this phrase. It is not only impolite but it also shows how little you care about the topic. This exchange mirrors our society today as the phrase “Edi Wow” evolved into something that is used to show indifference, smart-shame and belittle other people’s sincerity in the name of humor. 

 

"Kaka-selpon mo ‘yan!" A very popular household phrase uttered by an annoyed mother who has, yet again, scolded his/her child about any negative effect of gadget use. Such is a grave result of “doomscrolling”, “gleefreshing”, or eventually, Screen Dependency Disorder. This is all because of overexposure to visual stimulation. Turning off that screen entails a moment of living the actual life you have.

______________________

Reference:

1. Baclig, Cristina Eloisa. 2022. “Social Media, Internet Craze Keep PH on Top 2 of World List.” INQUIRER.net. April 2022. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1589845/social-media-internet-craze-keep-ph-on-top-2-of-world-list.

 

In a sense, this movement can be seen as an "accountability weapon" to also let the personalities learn how they could improve their actions into handling the sensitive issue that they got involved with. However, from being "woke" and exhibiting an academic intelligence as to why an issue could be offensive, sometimes people deny the fact that everyone makes mistakes and everyone always has a room for improvement.

Cancel culture is rampant in social media today that even the slightest mistake a personality would commit, it will be all over the internet. Sometimes, people don’t even learn the whole context as to why the cancelling happens or they forget to be critical about the situation anymore. They cancel to fit in. They cancel because they’re “woke.” 

Mariah Deborah A. Cabatbat
M.S. 11 - Z

I’ve seen a lot of selfies on this app where their caption says that their posts are filter-free when we all know that it isn’t. These kinds of posts are actually dangerous, especially for the young people who are on the app as well. Many people have found themselves battling identity and mental health issues by trying to emulate unattainable beauty standards. There is clearly a problem with this idealized fantasy world. On social media, a lot of models and celebrities share information about their diets, exercise routines, and other lifestyle decisions that affect how they look. There is only one problem with this industry: everything is untrue.

I think it’s very important that we must think about what we post on social media. We should always think about the message that we want to tell our followers. Social media apps are supposed to be a place where people can feel pretty and confident, not a place where they feel ashamed of themselves. More than ever, we need to remind one another of the value of originality and keep striving to accept an unfiltered version of ourselves.

Yna Mae S. Balantes
MS 11- R

“Budol” is a clear manifestation of consumerism in the neocapitalist (social) media where advertisements are intrusive, monthly sales are institutionalized as traditions, and the normalization of overspending and spontaneous spending sprees;  even the connotation of the word “budol” has transcended from a crime to an online phenomenon.

Consumerism has been deeply ingrained in society, people turn a blind eye to the capitalist system that exploits them.

Sino ang nabudol ng sistema? Edi tayo.

George G. Bartolome
MS 11 - R

References:

Fausto, Rose Fres. 2022. “7 Signs That You Are Budol-Prone.” Philstar.Com. 2022. https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/the-budgetarian/2022/02/09/2159475/7-signs-you-are-budol-prone.

Take our response to the pandemic as an example. This difficult circumstance gave rise to many opportunities, specifically, the rise in popularity of live streams. 

"Thank you for the hearts" is a phrase commonly used by live streamers on social media to show gratitude to their fans who send them filters obtained through spending money. As we all know, people spend money to be entertained. This became a widespread occurrence ever since views, followers, and content became monetized. The main problem lies within capitalism and how it forces people to take advantage of others for fame and money. Recent events have exhibited this phenomenon: children and people with disabilities are constantly being marketed as tools for entertainment. Their physical appearance and their conditions are commercialized for the benefit of their guardians. As unfortunate as it is, isn't it how society has always been like? Unaccepting of differences unless they can make money off of it.

When put into unfavorable situations, we do what we can to survive, though some of us opt to take the unholy road. 

Still, it pays to be resourceful.


Shorin E. Grimaldo
M.S 11 - Z

I bet that most of the people who owns a mobile device have already installed a shopping app and probably most- if not all, already experienced purchasing something online. Hungry? Why not add your cravings to cart and have it delivered in front of your door. Think of how convenient is this concept as we all can get our wants and needs without stepping out of our homes. 

However, the same concept also destroys the societal practice in buying and selling goods. Addiction may probably the most popular indication that people have already been pushed into the dimension of online shops. Also, they tend to rely more on online shopping than in-person interactions. The reason why limitations should be practiced whenever adding something to cart and not just to be easily swayed by the continuous ads and tv endorsements.

“I-add to cart mo na yan" is a scam! It tests the impressionability of the target market and therefore, a gain for the sellers.

Hannah Grace C. Gorospe
M.S. 11 - Z

Consumers, on the other hand, had to pay for delivery expenses, which is why some e-commerce sites hold payday specials (receive free shipping or cashback) to lure shoppers to buy and buy. However, free delivery is not totally free; there are only fee reductions. In some well-known e-commerce sites, free shipping is a fraud.

Nonetheless, most people continue to buy it since it has already been imprinted in their minds that it is cheaper and more convenient to shop online.

 

M.S. 11 - Z 

Ghosting is a colloquial term that refers to abruptly and without explanation, cutting off contact with someone, either by not replying to them or by outright blocking. It is often associated with dating but it can be used for platonic relationships as well. Most people choose to ‘ghost’ instead of properly ending things because they see it as an easier way out, fearing that the confrontation will be awkward and uncomfortable.

As cruel as ghosting may seem especially if you’re on the receiving end, society has treated it like it’s a norm because it is simply a risk that comes with internet dating. People even treat it as a joke, something to tease their friends over. The internet is a vast space and because there are so many choices, people tend to have the mindset that a person is easy to replace— “Thank you, next!” Our attention span is easily taken by a shiny new thing. It doesn’t even cross our mind that ghosting is a form of emotional abuse. Professor Sherry Turkle from MIT has even said in a The Huffington Post interview that “ghosting has serious consequences, because when they treat us as if we could be ignored, we begin to think that this is fine and we treat ourselves as people who don’t have feelings. And at the same time, we treat others as people who have no feelings in this context, so empathy begins to disappear.”

I just think we should communicate clearly if we want out.

Navarro, Raúl, Larrañaga, Elisa, Yubero, Santiago & Víllora, Beatriz. 2020. "Psychological Correlates of Ghosting and Breadcrumbing Experiences: A Preliminary Study among Adults." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 3: 1116. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17031116

Why “Ghosting” Is Bad for Society. Huffpost. Accessed September 14, 2022. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ghosting-texting_n_56532dfae4b0879a5b0b9360

---

Ingrid Sofia A. Moreno
M.S 11 - R

 

This is my parody of the song by Cyndi Lauper, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. This parody describes how trolls amuse themselves by upsetting people scrolling through social media with their comments and agendas (Vicente, 2020). And I find it not-amusing how they just get away with commenting/posting the most absurd and most annoying things anyone could ever think of.

 

In this generation, people easily dismiss the gravity and accuracy of facts. Especially during the 2022 elections, I have witnessed people rejoicing at the frustration of supporters of candidates and canceling people because of their differences. For me, it is alarming that people do not learn how to communicate directly and politely. And it is disappointing how people of this generation laugh at other people’s difficulties.

 

Reference:

Vicente, V. (2020, January 21). What is an Internet troll? (and how to handle trolls). How-to Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/465416/what-is-an-internet-troll-and-how-to-handle-trolls/ 

 

 

These 2 insults are commonly used in English speaking communities on the internet.It’s often used when you don’t like that person's opinion/post because it’s revolting to human nature.Not sure if it’s used here in the Philippines even in different languages.

Sean Matthew S. Agacer
M.S 11 - R

Imperial, Joseph Marvin. How Do Pedophiles Tweet? Investigating the Writing Styles and Online Personas of Child Cybersex Traffickers in the Philippines. National University, July 21, 2021. https://arxiv.org/pdf/2107.09881.pdf

“The 'Alter' Twitter-verse: Seeking anonymity, solace and validation.” The Jakarta Post, September 26, 2021. https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2021/09/15/the-alter-twitter-verse-seeking-anonymity-solace-and-validation.html

Newsfade happens every single day- inside and outside the media. Like a gossip, there is a topic which everyone talks about, and when they become uninterested, they will shift to another one. Everything we see in the social media platforms have varying contents which is why our attention span becomes shorter and so we only read the news that gives us interest the most and let the others fade away.

Today’s culture is a mix of everything. This heterogeneity makes it very easy to cover up a bad news by replacing it with more engaging news.

We, as informed individuals, should not let these news fade, but keep it alive.

--
Micah Gwen F. Cruz
M.S. 11-Z

Since its launch, the video-sharing application TikTok has been evolving — from what has been regarded as a dumpsite for “cringe” 15-30-second videos to an irresistibly addicting shopping app, and who knows how far can it go? Now, without a doubt, the resistance (from wanting to avoid the mainstream course of social media usage) seems to lose its strength as more and more people engage in the app to create skits, duet their favorite songs, learn a thing or two from EdukTok (Education TikTok), and now, with their very own TikTok shop, to shop (virtually)!

Similar to the concept of The Creation, the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend on TikTok has seemingly given rise to an overhyped state of digital consumerism, behind this, of course, are the contributions of hype culture, affiliated marketing, and the power of algorithm — all forced by TikTok to emerge stronger now more than ever. Not to mention how the pandemic caused the shift from physical to virtual shopping, one click on the hashtag #TiktokMadeMeBuyIt directs you to a wide array of products, and simultaneously after all the overhyped talk and honest-to-goodness reviews of the creator, a tap on the “check-out” button brings you closer to finally popping that bubble wrap and do the unboxing of your item. Digital consumerism then comes alive as this shopping habit becomes a hobby… then an addiction, until such time that the practice of impulse buying from TikTok is irreversible. From here, it becomes a culture.

While the app only lays down these features to better improve the users’ experience, the forces of digital consumerism — as further induced by TikTok — are strong enough to cloud rational consumer choices. Undeniably, it overhyped its state, and the root cause is still heavily leaning on the capitalistic nature of TikTok as a company more than the users’ propensity to succumb to the influential grasp of the app. In this day and age, TikTok as a medium is a far-reaching tool to influence people to delve into productive activities; stretching even more, however, also sways them to do the absurd, practice the unconventional, and… shop mindlessly. 

Poster and description by:

Content creation is relative to consumers’ attention spans. After a quick search for our generation’s average attention span, 8 seconds is the answer that pops up. This is based on a Microsoft study, which became the framework for multiple articles discussing the same topic. With users consisting mostly of Gen Zs, video formats that last a minute at maximum have become the trend for top social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

In an interview with Wall Street Journal, Oxford Ethicist James Williams warned how the dopamine rush of endless short videos makes it hard for young viewers to switch their focus to slower-moving activities. They also followed up by stating that if our brain becomes accustomed to constant changes, in this case, provided by the content factory that is social media, it finds it difficult to stay focused.

Research by Nityananda in 2016 discovered that wild-type flies have an “attention span” that lasts 4 seconds. That’s about as long as the time I stay on one YouTube reel before I scroll away, just to be bombarded again by hundreds of videos.

It’s baffling how in a screen time span of 1 hour, I have viewed a lot of videos yet retain little to no information. And even though I am aware of this phenomenon, I keep coming back for more. It’s addicting. IT WANTS ME TO STAY.

References:

Ceci, L. (2022). U.S. TikTok users by age 2021 | Statista. Retrieved 15 September 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1095186/tiktok-us-users-age/

Jargon, J. (2022). TikTok Brain Explained: Why Some Kids Seem Hooked on Social Video Feeds. Retrieved 15 September 2022, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/tiktok-brain-explained-why-some-kids-seem-hooked-on-social-video-feeds-11648866192

Nityananda V. (2016). Attention-like processes in insects. Proceedings. Biological sciences, 283(1842), 20161986. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.1986

Stutsman, L. (2022). You have eight seconds. Differentiate your business through the art of storytelling. Retrieved 15 September 2022, from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/us-partner-blog/2021/11/15/you-have-eight-seconds-differentiate-your-business-through-the-art-of-storytelling/

Kayla Louise Hernandez
MS 11 - R

A known catchphrase on Twitter is "Spill the tea," frequently used by netizens when gossip lurks around the Twitter feed. Nevertheless, how can an amiable act become a malicious symbol today? In earlier times, tea drinking has already been done by numerous cultures around the world (Martyris 2015). However, this act involves not only drinking but also talking and sharing personal stories until it comes to the point of tittle-tattle about other people's lives. 

Over time, it did not vanish, for it is still thriving. The act of drinking tea and gossiping had been so closely associated that people started to recognize it as a single act. However, if one reflects upon it, spilling the tea, an adverse action is now a stocked shared knowledge among internet users thirsty for the juiciest gossip. Our thoughts and actions are reflected as we fixate on the technology's products. We are slowly integrating earlier cultures into a mere screen which only proves that we, humans are always curious about the lives of others.

Martyris, Nina. 2015. “Gossip Girls: Tea Parties And The Sexist Slang They Inspired.” npr. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/10/27/452051265/gossip-girls-tea-parties-and-the-sexist-slang-they-inspired.



Natasha Jane Rulloda
M.S. 11 - R

Bardagulan is from the street word “bardagol” which means fist fight or debate and as the world moves it was adapted to the internet. In social media, “online bardagulan” is a slang that loosely means airing your thoughts in a mocking or sarcastic tone (Cequina, 2022). Using sarcastic and hilarious language to promote their own candidate or manok has become a social media trend that has also become a popular form of entertainment. The rise in the number of people who are comfortable debating and who use wit and humor just to win a fight, also known as bardagulan, has completely affected social media culture. It has a negative impact on one's well-being, contradicts the concept of an online safe space, and turns arguing into a play. A form of entertainment with no substance and the sole purpose of amusement.

On the whole, various slang terms have already been developed in today’s age. Thus, it influences how we communicate and transforms how we perceive media.

References :

Cequina, Jeans. “Mama Bing and Her Brand of 'Bardagulan'.” POP! Inquirer, April 22, 2022. https://pop.inquirer.net/327221/mama-bing-and-her-brand-of-bardagulan. 

Yaneza, Sam. “What Does 'Bardagulan' Really Mean and Its Origin.” FreebieMNL,    September 10, 2022. https://freebiemnl.com/entertainment/bardagulan/. 

JAIME ABUBO QUIAMBAO
M.S. 11 R

 

In psychology, a cognitive bias called superiority illusion involves elevating oneself as a superior-than-average being (Yamada et al., 2013; see also Tappin & McKay, 2016). This phenomenon has become more pronounced with the rise of free and/or unreviewed (i.e., not fact-checked) media sources. While a responsible freedom of the press and freedom of speech are important to consider, absolute freedom will cause the proliferation of misinformation. 

Questionable sources with hidden agendas provide explanations, conspiracy “theories”, and narratives that are easily digestible by non-professionals; therefore, many are inclined to believe these bold claims without confirming their legitimacy. Eventually, these non-professionals (i.e., the masses) will spread the false information throughout the internet, asserting their knowledge—claiming the professionals’ “cover up” of the truth and undermining the experts’ competence. Homeopathic “healers” share stories about the incompetence of doctors and how they cured themselves using “one simple trick”—to scam others. Political loyalists blindly defend their idols despite numerous rectifications from historians and political analysts about their misconceptions—to proclaim their righteousness. 

 

Putting oneself on a pedestal is detrimental to a society whose individuals evolved to specialize in certain tasks. Believing that one has more authority compared to a professional because of an article which appeals to one’s desired interpretation or level of aptitude is bound to confirm biases. Responsible freedom, not absolute freedom, must be upheld not only in media but also in every aspect of our lives to stop the armchair analyst phenomenon—to maintain order, stability, and integrity.

 

MS 11 – Z

__________

References:

Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). armchair. In Collins Dictionary. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/armchair

 

Tappin, B. M., & McKay, R. T. (2016, October 19). The Illusion of Moral Superiority. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 8(6), 623–631. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550616673878

 

Yamada, M., Uddin, L. Q., Takahashi, H., Kimura, Y., Takahata, K., Kousa, R., Ikoma, Y., Eguchi, Y., Takano, H., Ito, H., Higuchi, M., & Suhara, T. (2013, February 25). Superiority illusion arises from resting-state brain networks modulated by dopamine. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(11), 4363–4367. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1221681110

The catchphrase, “may the odds be ever in your favor,” came from the book and movie “The Hunger Games,” which is commonly used to wish someone good luck on social media. 

“May the odds be ever in your favor” clearly manifests today’s media culture. As the media become increasingly risky (e.g., unfiltered content, ads that could compromise data and privacy, and an “add to cart” that could lead to a waste of money), the only thing that the media users can rely on is luck. 

This goes the same in today’s culture under the Marcos regime because as the Marcoses rose to power, the Filipino masses had nothing to hold onto but luck. As the Marcoses and the richest of the rich indulge in lavish lifestyles, the Filipino masses are starving and struggling to survive.

Amidst the never-ending COVID-19 pandemic, the emerging threat of monkeypox, the decreasing food supplies, and the rising prices of goods, to name a few, the Marcos administration still has no present concrete plans. Under this incompetent regime, the Philippines will be no different from The Hunger Games—survival of the fittest—with the government as the Capitol and the Filipino masses as the tributes.

MS 11 - R

Dating apps like Bumble and Tinder are designed not primarily to help individuals find true love but to expose individuals to this huge database where everything they want and need on a person is readily available. 

It appears as though finding a partner is like buying a certain product, you can just browse and pick the right one in an aisle of possible choices. Love and relationships clearly become commodities. The capitalist society we live in prepares us to do so by applying consumer behaviors that rely on quantity and convenience rather than quality. 

More so, this consumer behavior also manifests in how an individual packages himself/herself to look marketable and to attract people to swipe for him/her. As a result, disposable and superficial dating become normal allowing ghosting and other dating problems to exist. 

Are dating apps really helping us to find the right one or is it just another capitalist scam? 

References:

Medium. (2017, February 14). The consumerism of dating apps: Love in all the wrong places. Medium. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://medium.com/@postconsumers/the-consumerism-of-dating-apps-love-in-all-the-wrong-places-e6be2673d638

Arn Vian Delos Reyes
MS 11- R

Within the media realm, the practice extends to the exchange of interesting gossip across various social media platforms, often leading to informal discourse amongst users. Similar to on-ground gossipers such as Marites, today’s media consumers cannot separate substantial information from mere gossip and fail to undergo the process of fact-checking the topic of their discussions. Moreover, when these exchanges are further sensationalized, various media consumers become victims of misinformation or disinformation, which leads to a reality wherein individuals profit off of hearsay masked as truth. According to Sanchez (2021), this culture discourages deep thought and authentic dialogue with one another (Lariosa 2021). The Marites culture is even strengthened as members of important institutions of society, such as the government, contribute to the gossip and thus, legitimize the influence of what falsified information is capable of when it grows like a network in media.

References

Donesa, Salihha. 2022. “The Marites Culture and Growth of Showbiz Talk Shows on YouTube.” The Marites Culture and the Growth of Showbiz Talk Shows on YouTube. https://villagepipol.com/the-marites-culture-and-the-growth-of-showbiz-talk-shows-on-youtube/. 

Lariosa, Saab. 2021. “Of Blind Items & Bardagulans: The 'Marites' Culture and If We Can Ever Be an 'Enlightened' Tsismosa.” l!Fe • The Philippine Star. November 26. https://philstarlife.com/living/865745-rise-of-the-marites-behavior?page=4. 

Justine Clare A. Dulfo
MS 11 Z

I borrowed the phrase “How much is your reply?” from a viral messenger fiction story of Ries Wrights to depict the elitism culture in media today. Some netizens use this catchphrase in their post, like "Paranas naman ng may magsasabi sa’kin ng how much is your reply," to express their yearning for gifts or money in exchange of their attention.

Many streamers today, especially the “famous” ones, only notice their top supporters or gift givers on their live broadcast. Because of this practice, many audiences ask their bet streamer “Ilan ba ibabagsak ko?” or “Anong gusto mong gift?” – similar to “how much is your reply” – to catch their attention and in exchange for their entertainment or requested performance.

Elitism can be seen as well in politics, academics, and other institutions. Probably oftentimes, we are also disregarded if we don’t have any assets or means. Meanwhile, many people use fame and money to have a sense of belongingness, bigger title in society, or get whatever they want.

Rachelle D. Samin
M.S. 11 - Z

An echo chamber refers to any environment or “situation in which people only hear opinions of one type, or opinions that are similar to their own” (Cambridge University Press, 2022). We might find ourselves in an echo chamber when the revolving discussions are merely backed by rumors or incomplete information and/or they do not consider opposing viewpoints or any other perspectives (Goodwill Community Foundation, Inc, n.d.). Sometimes this can be observed among us Filipinos who have an “ah, basta” mentality when we refuse to entertain a conversation with someone whose opinions differ from ours. This may also result in hostile relationships especially when it comes to topics such as politics, religion, and history.

Echo chambers seem to be amplified on the internet on social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tiktok. Facebook and Tiktok operate on algorithms that monitor a user’s online behavior and then provide them with content or ads that will cater to their tracked interests, based on the things they would often search or the posts that they would engage in (Cabianca et al., n.d.). This in turn reinforces some beliefs without consideration of other outside information or interpretations, and ultimately isolates users from actual proper conversations.

Cabianca, P., Hammond, P., & Gutierrez, M. (n.d.). What is a Social Media Echo Chamber? | Stan Richards School of Advertising. Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://advertising.utexas.edu/news/what-social-media-echo-chamber

Cambridge University Press. (2022, September 14). ECHO CHAMBER | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/echo-chamber

Goodwill Community Foundation, Inc. (n.d.). Digital Media Literacy: What is an Echo Chamber? GCFGlobal. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/digital-media-literacy/what-is-an-echo-chamber/1/

Taculao, P. (2022, July 4). Actress Ella Cruz’s ‘history is tsismis’ comment draws flak from netizens. Manila Standard.
https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/celebrity-profiles/314241337/actress-ella-cruzs-history-is-tsismis-comment-draws-flak-from-netizens.html
Julia R. Saldivar
M.S. 11-Z

 

Of course, people have their reasons in bottling their feelings up. One of the reasons could be that they don’t want others to see them in a vulnerable state. Another reason could be that they don’t want to show their problems because of the fear of others belittling their experiences. One more reason that people do this could be that they refuse to acknowledge how they feel and constantly avoid them.

 

However, there will come a tipping point where a certain individual has reached their last straw causing their bottled-up feelings to explode. The consequences could be irrationally lashing out to people, destruction of your own property, or worse, destruction of yourself, physically and mentally. Although this does not necessarily encourage people to open up, but hopefully to find ways to avoid filling up your bottle with excess and unwanted emotions.

 --

M.S. 11 - R

People online have tendencies of spreading false information haphazardly as well as absorbing it. Social media is a dangerous place for naïve minds who are gullible enough to feed into anything they read online without cross referencing on them and subsequently, these people will talk about these topics as if they know what is going on. This then creates a domino effect and causes other people to reshare and feed into the fake news which leads to mis/disinformation proliferating.

I chose the word “CTTO” to describe this phenomenon because it really encapsulates my point. A big chunk of people relies so much on the news from social media that they see and grabs it, reposts it, and shares it with their families or tweets about it on their feed and just adds at the end “ctto” with no reliable source liked to it. “Source = trust me” as the kids say. It is such a common abbreviation used but is thrown around like it means nothing. Something to cover up the noise and mess that they made if you will.

Malaika Aurora M. Hije
M.S. 11 - R

The phrase “Just one more episode” provides insight into a snippet of this development. With Netflix and similar apps currently being the face of mainstream streaming media, practices like binge-watching are now common. Associated with this practice is the phrase “just one more episode”, often said before proceeding to impulsively watch several episodes to possible future regret.

Some argue that the burden of control is on watchers who binge-watch but observing the interface of apps like Netflix may prove otherwise. 
 
 Netflix’s operation includes releasing episodes altogether in one day instead of the usual weekly/monthly releases. Multiple episodes released simultaneously means no waiting between episodes, encouraging binge-watching. Whenever an episode ends, Netflix prompts the watcher with a 15-second timer before automatically proceeding to the next episode, which may be less time that one might need to switch it off. “Just one more episode” can then turn into multiple episodes as a result.

This begs the question: is the cultural phenomenon of binge-watching truly one of indulgence, or is it born out of sneaky manipulation for corporate profit?

Gabriel R. Morrondoz
MS 11 - R

Although it's widely acknowledged that social media has brought people together worldwide, it has also been used to establish unrealistic social standards. For instance, rating an individual's overall personality based on ideological and derogatory ratings is a clear manifestation of the impractical standards media has helped forge into today's society. This proves that it is undeniably possible that media impacts its audience by changing perceived norms, given the power that media holds in skewing people's perceptions of what is normal.

Media can affect people's attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs. Some may only regard the "S/he's a ten but" trend as harmless, but at its core, it reveals a more profound inquiry deserving of its own discussion. 

References: 

Henriques, Mavis & Patnaik, Debasis. (2020). Social Media and Its Effects on Beauty. 10.5772/intechopen.93322. 

Mark Anton Nicolai Cañas
MS 11 - R

The most common phrase that can be heard at the end of every video is “Link in bio!” which leads to their recommended products in online stores. Links in these videos are actually affiliate links, which are used by creators to earn money when customers buy their recommended product through their unique link (Geyser, 2022). However, many influencers do not disclose the fact that these links are avenues of income for them. Thus, consumers click on their links expecting a genuine, non-sponsored recommendation, but the authenticity of these influencers is compromised because of these nondisclosures. Regardless of whether the influencer feels that they genuinely recommend a product, they should always discuss whether money is being made off of their audience.

Geyser, W. (2022, June 20). Ultimate Guide to Affiliate Marketing on TikTok In 2022. Influencer Marketing Hub. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-affiliate-marketing/

Hunter, T. (2021, December 1). What Is a Micro-Influencer, and Why Do Brands Use Them? Built In. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://builtin.com/marketing/micro-influencer

 

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LUNA, Jenika Moira P.
MS 11 - R

 

 

Different UK-based news media are now spreading word of the Queen’s life and it is apparent how very few controversies are being mentioned. As social media is also being utilized to deliver news, these can become a means to socially engineer every mind, young or old, to look at the monarchy on such high regard. Fortunately, the internet can also serve to learn the truth if we know to discern the facts from lies. The Queen was often described as silent, perhaps this is true for a reason. A slip of the tongue can become a source of hatred for anyone. In this age, the British Monarchy is not only looking to appeal the British people but also the other countries beyond its control. 

I chose the queen of diamonds to represent the issues surrounding the crown. The diamond is a perfect representation as one of these controversies is the Cullinan diamond- an object that is also surrounded by an issue of being stolen from the Africans. Most cards have an upside-down reflection on its lower half. This card has the image of a Joker for its other half. Just like the joker’s role in card games, this means that it is open for interpretation regarding the British Monarchy. The joker being on the other half can also be viewed as a representation that the next monarch, King Charles III is a joke because he has even more controversies than his mother. It also represents the irony of the world’s view on other cultures. When people say that the people of the East are very indigenous and phased-out, this millennium-long tradition of having kings and queens are just as old as the cultures they label as “aboriginal”.  

This particular artwork is given the title “Dealer’s Bluff”. Bluff is a term in card games where one tricks other players into thinking that he/she has a bad card so that the other players will fall into playing into the game and eventually losing. In this regard, what we see in the news or in the media that we use, can all pretty much be a bluff.

Jann Ralph C. Dauz
MS11-Z

 

Moreover, by asking “thoughts about me?” we get a reflection of ourselves by how other people see us, be it in a positive or a negative way. But, one must always remember that not everything that we see, read, or hear on the internet or social media is real. So one must think before posting the question “Thoughts about me?,” are you ready to hear what other people have to say about you? Because if not, maybe you are not meant to ask that question.

John Nicolas S. Gamboa
M.S. 11-R

The story revolves around the suicide of Hannah Baker, a teenager who took her own life, where she explains through 13 tape recordings why she killed herself.

I remembered I was at a friend’s house, and Netflix released the second season. It shows how Hannah killed herself visually. It was a powerful attempt to make the viewers realize how difficult it was for a person to take their life.

Sadly, other people took it the wrong way. It wasn’t for too long that parents of teenagers wanted to sue Netflix because the medium served as an “inspiration” to commit suicide. Unfortunately, there were a couple of teens who did take their own lives and made tape recordings to explain why they killed themselves.

What baffles me is that art is taking the blame for talking about a sensitive topic instead of being an eye-opener for most to start addressing the issue. Some people blame the mirror instead of the culprit seen through the mirror. Is art really to blame, or are the people who think the problem isn’t themselves?

I recommend you go through the comment sections of the videos I cited. It gives a deeper insight than just listening to news clippings surrounding the series.

Jose Noel G. Syguia
MS 11 - Z

References

Inside Edition. (2017, April 26). Selena Gomez Has a Message for Teens Watching Netflix's '13 Reasons Why'. YouTube. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVqsiHJgSo

Inside Edition. (2017, June 29). Families Blame Netflix Series '13 Reasons Why' for Suicide of 2 Teens. YouTube. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRr1tCN1RhI
`

WMAR-2 News. (2019, July 26). '13 Reasons Why' pulls suicide scene, teens mother says it's too late. YouTube. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0zN7sDd9fw

“In your face” is an expression mostly heard in its Filipino translation “mukha mo” (indirect: ‘yan kasi) which is characterized by or expressive of bold and often defiant aggressiveness. In this case, patola may be related to the culture of trolling. 

So many netizens are impulsively sharing, commenting, and engaging with online content without thinking of the repercussions of their actions. The insufficiency of critical thinkers has resulted in the proliferation of propaganda in reversing the truth. This of course fostered an information ecosystem in which personal attacking is pervasive, humor and sarcasm are mistaken with reality, research-backed and legitimate reporting are tagged as ‘fake news, and administration-backed media networks like SMNI and Net 25 are maximizing their platform to sabotage the integrity of authentic journalism.

In just a span of six years, the Duterte administration has maximized the Internet to exploit the Filipino people with his despicable agenda. Now, with Marcos Jr’s presidency in its maiden year, it is apparent that the internet is likely a key factor in continuing to deodorize and dignify his family and predecessor’s legacy.

It is genuinely and objectively infuriating to live in a country where very few people are utilizing their critical thinking. See, one would probably get why mediocracy, idiotic, fallacious, and illogical online behaviors dominate the offline and online spaces. In short, this impulsive behavior has become brutally effective in altering and damaging Filipinos’ critical cognition. 

So, it is up to the woke people now that have the energy to make patol in countering this divisive agenda and in educating people on the right side. 

May there be more positive “#InYourFace” arguments on the Internet.

#InYourFace

#MukhaMo

#YanKasi

Kazer Joshua C. Galindon
MS 11 - R


References:

Arugay, A. A., & Baquisal, J. K. A. (2022). Mobilized and Polarized: Social Media and Disinformation Narratives in the 2022 Philippine Elections. Pacific Affairs, 95(3), 549–573. Retrieved from  https://doi.org/10.5509/2022953549

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Chua, G. (2022). [ANALYSIS] The Philippine cyber-political divide. Rappler. Retrieved from www.rappler.com/technology/analysis-cyber-political-divide-facts-first-philippines-study/

Ocampo, A. R. (2022). Trolls and trolling. INQUIRER.net. Retrieved from https://opinion.inquirer.net/150890/trolls-and-trolling

This is related to the Filipino custom of performing "spirit of the glass" as a paranormal activity. But far from before, it is now merely used to determine what lies behind screens rather than hunting spirits.

Undoubtedly, this trend reveals various facets of today's media culture as it signifies respect by consulting people first if they could afford to speak and be seen, as well as by taking into consideration the perspectives of others. But alarmingly, it makes people more liberated to run away from responsibility since it only takes a single click to leave and escape reality.

 

Delulu or Delusional is a word used to describe some K-pop fans' behavior. According to the urban dictionary, delusional fan girls/boys believe in the possibility of ending up with their favorite idol. They have this enormous amount of love and energy invested. Being delusional enters when they develop an obsession and have the desire to keep themselves close to their favorite idol. Some reach the point where they are aware of personal schedules and even book flights the same as their idols. They also have this perfect image of these idols, and they can get overly sensitive over the small criticism that other people say toward their idols. The deep emotional attachment they have towards the idols makes it difficult for them to differentiate their fantasies from reality. As a fan myself, it is better to not over-glorify them and to know our boundaries. We should not let our lives revolve around idols but live our lives to the fullest while supporting them from afar. 

Fae Ellis B. Bartilad
MS 11 - R

References:
“Delulu.” Urban Dictionary, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=delulu. 

Online dating apparently offers a range beyond just romance. It may appear enjoyable, interesting, and a practical method to pique people's interests, but Pew Research Center warns that it is a perilous slippery slope. The psychological and physiological well-being of the user as well as the security of their private data may have been endangered by abuse and misuse of these dating applications.

Actual sexual predators often abuse dating apps to prey on individuals, most particularly women and young children. In addition to meeting a sexual predator, the risks of online dating also include the possibility of being deceived by a catfish, a person who uses fake photos and even a fake identity. This is partially because users of dating apps would like to develop real-world connections after meeting online (Kallis, 2020).

Murphy (2018) talked on how it's crucial to strike a balance between dating app users' privacy interests and the need for user protection from crimes that may result from them, with "rape, stalking, and the grooming and sexual exploitation of children" being the most frequently reported crimes. It is acceptable to use the internet to date.  However, we must still take precautions as there are plenty of abusers scattered across numerous dating apps and websites. At the end of the day, we're all looking for relationships that are long-lasting, healthy, and inspired by true love.

Curry, David. 2022. “Dating App Revenue and Usage Statistics (2022).” Business of Apps.  Retrieved September 19, 2022, https://www.businessofapps.com/data/dating-app-market/#:~:text=Usage%20has%20also%20increased%2C%20with,people%20worldwide%20using%20dating%20apps.

Kallis, Rhiannon B. 2020. "Understanding the motivations for using Tinder." Qualitative Research Reports in Communication 21, no. 1 (2020): 66-73.

Mathay, Rikki. 2021. “Online Dating” [Editorial]. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/01/online-dating/.

Murphy, Alyssa. 2017. "Dating dangerously: Risks lurking within mobile dating apps." Cath. UJL & Tech 26 (2017): 100.

 

Online spaces provide people to channel their sexuality, but, is problematic due to online spaces being a naturally unfiltered space. This poster was meant to emphasize the unsafe side of that online queer space. Private videos of men are aggressively sought out by their fellow men even if the content was not meant for public consumption. There are facebook groups where these are done and there is a frequency of  “chunlink” comments, a version of “send link” frequently used in gay spaces, are rampant. That content of those links could be supposedly private videos and generally pose a threat to systems of consent and privacy.

Lance Parayno
MS 11 R

The word “diumano” translates to allegedly in English, and according to Oxford's dictionary, this means that something is presented as true without proof to back it up. As netizens, we are urged to use the internet responsibly, but there are some people who spread information without completely confirming its credibility which makes users susceptible to spreading and consuming fake news. 

The content that we consume is also often packaged in a way that misleads people. Clickbait-type headlines and content are a norm on social media, at this point. But this is not exclusive to social media alone, traditional media also participates in this practice. For example, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho has been criticized for making shallow and sensationalized stories that tend to exaggerate certain story details to capture the attention of the audiences. Critics also pointed out that they’re only regurgitating stories that already went viral on social media.

References:

“Allegedly.” 2022. Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com. 2022.https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/allegedly?q=allegedly.

But the reality of life teaches us that not every moment is beautiful. Not every moment is “picture perfect.” Though with social media occupying our everyday lives, it seems we are getting more and more trapped with wanting everything to be perfect, just like we see in our feeds. The lens through which we see life seems to be broken because of our unrealistic standards. 

I hope that this poster will serve as a reminder for all of us that it’s alright to not have a “picture perfect” life. There is more to it than looking “perfect” or acceptable in the eyes of society. And we can break free from the standards we see on social media. 

Eleanor Jianna P. Boquiren
MS 11 - Z

In context, Forda is short for "for the" and Ferson is short for "person." Well, the word indicates that someone is into something and identifies themselves as that kind of person.  For example,  "Forda swimming naman ang ferson" refers to someone who enjoys or loves swimming. That's how basic—yet subtle—it is.

The term "Forda ferson" and other colloquialisms are considered to be part of the millennial language, a rich source of new words and expressions that, as instantly as they are thought up by this era, are snapped up by the mainstream to be odd as well as to demonstrate how they vary from previous generations in which being cool and trendy meant being a little bit cynical. The language of Filipino netizens has evolved to this day through term changes, meaning-to-meaning changes, and expression creation. There is no denying that this phrase is still having an impact on our language before it fades into obscurity.

Questions abound about this media craze, as with any at its peak: is it cringing or just really silly? 

@chrishannaluisa (2022, June 11) Episode 42 | SFGDVBHGSd. Tiktok. Retrieved September 19, 2022 from https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSRHfg4kG

Monderin, C. P., & Go, M. B. (2021). Emerging Netspeak word choices in social media on Filipino pop culture. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 4(6), 49–61. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2021.4.6.7

James Patrick A. Soldao
MS 11 - Z

During the pandemic, a research data from the GWI organization has revealed that a person spends almost 7 hours daily surfing the internet. With this we became more exposed to the contents of the internet, ranging from different news, information, and entertainment. The fact that we have been isolated to the outside world, we had more personal time. With no physical interaction, we spent more time exploring our own self. Our alter ego. The Latin term alter ego was coined by the Philosopher Cicero, means other self. A theory by Sigmund Freud suggests that we have 3 concepts, which are the id, ego, and super-ego. We were able to carry this ego of ours to the internet and have an alternate persona.

This exploration of alter ego has branched out even more until it reached social networking sites. We let our alter ego exist in the web, but posting as someone anonymous. We were able to express our internal thoughts and talk about our deep darkest secrets. Until we began expressing our ‘id’ which is why we became more sexually open. Combined with this alternate ego, the social media, posting as someone anonymous, we have created the internet slang “Alter”.

Although, now alter has been related to the idea of pornography. This has veered away from the essence to why alter was created. Alter is always a venue to express our alter ego and thoughts.

John Adrian V. Bañaga
MS 11-Z

For so long, women have been stereotyped as weak and emotional. These stereotypes are also one of the reasons why women are being treated differently from men. In movies, women are always represented as a victim and never the hero. I believe that the media plays an important role in women's representation, and that we must continue to uphold how women should be viewed in our society.

 

Reference:

Women's Museum of California. (2017). “Why There Must Be Increased Female Representation in the TV and Film Industries.” https://womensmuseum.wordpress.com/2017/03/11/why-there-must-be-increased-female-representation-in-the-tv-and-film-industries/.

 

According to an article from VOI (n.d.), the use of bestie has no hidden meaning, and the friendly and pleasant impression is the reason many people use it. Undeniably, bestie has become one of the most rampant terms Generation Z uses to refer to one another, most especially online but also offline. The casual use of such a supposedly special title to strangers or people one does not really know well illustrates the concept of being extra civil that is manifested in today’s culture and society. Being generally extra amiable backed by the use of good-natured terms can be more observed. In the Philippines, endearments, such as mhie, bhie, and mars, are also being utilized a lot.

These days, anyone can be referred to as bestie. I am bestie. You are bestie. We are besties!

Thanks for reading, bestie!


References:

The Story Of Bestie, Social Media Slang That Is Currently A Trend. (2022, April 9). VOI - Waktunya Merevolusi Pemberitaan. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://voi.id/en/bernas/155727/kisah-bestie-bahasa-gaul-media-sosial-yang-saat-ini-jadi-tren#:%7E:text=Bestie%20is%20a%20shortened%20form,used%20by%20certain%20social%20groups.

Danielle Ann V. Mabalot
MS 11 - R

Unnecessarily huge fashion hauls on social media, especially on TikTok, fuel overconsumption of fast fashion. Which in turn negatively affects the environment. As far as I know, in the Philippines, it’s not as ridiculous as in the U.S., but some people here still do relatively big fashion hauls, especially with Shein. 

Because of social media, the cycle of trends and micro-trends gets shorter. That for every new fashion trend, a new haul and another bag of clothes to discard because it’s not in style anymore. As this cycle of trying to keep up with trends continues, so does the textile waste we produce, and it all becomes one big haul of trash. 

This concept also applies to other things aside from fashion, such as gadgets and balloons. Thinking about our purchasing habits by asking questions such as, is it essential, will I use it a lot, and do I genuinely like it, can help us become more sustainable.

Micheu Leliel B. Reyes
MS 11 - Z

I remember being 13 on Tumblr, seeing the ship name “Castiel” for the first time. I never got into the show, but I understood that it had a lot of fans. It was a testament to the show and ship’s popularity that it reached my corner of the internet. It is no surprise then that this particular scene caused commotion online, especially on Tumblr; it was 12 years in the making after all for a lot of people.

As someone who grew up on the internet, I have been exposed to fan culture (fandom) way before I learned its terminologies. Shipping, the fan activity of romantically pairing two fictional characters, has become a popular and contentious facet of fan interaction (Gonzalez, 2016). Saying “I ship them,” or “I ship it (indicating to a pairing),” in fandom communities became a way for fans to bond over their shared mutual interest in a pairing. The term One True Pairing (OTP) signified one’s favorite fictional romantic pairing.

Throughout the years, fandom ships have extended to include real people. Archive of Our Own (or AO3) is a website where fans post and read fanfictions of various media. The most written about ship is Destiel (Dean/Castiel) with over 100,000 works uploaded, while the most written about real-people-ship is Stylinson (Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) with over 35,000 works and concerningly ranks 8th overall.

There is a major difference between shipping fictional characters versus subjecting real people to one’s delusional assumptions. This is harmful to the (very real) people involved, who have real feelings, real partners, and real preferences. Sometimes, lines are crossed and people’s privacy is violated. When these real people fail to uphold the fans’ expectations of them, the hurt and disappointment that fans feel can vary in ranges.

Shipping is not inherently dangerous. A lot of popular ships in popular media are same sex pairings – LGBTQ fans find solace, comfort and profound friendships in these fandoms when their physical environment fails to provide it to them. Many writers and artists' passions began with creating fanfiction and fanarts of ships. It is only when the lines between fiction and reality get blurred that the act of shipping can get nasty and unhealthy.

Reference:

Gonzalez, V. (2016). Swan Queen, shipping, and boundary regulation in fandom. Praxis. https://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/download/669/717?inline=1

The question "What’s on your mind?" that we see on Facebook is a good metaphor to illustrate today’s media culture. The things that we read on our social media feeds are not all reliable and trustworthy. Behind this are the trolls that spread misinformation, just like what was happening in the election before. People have reacted and left their own comments. And there we saw that regardless of whether the thing is based on facts or just an opinion, that person would still express it. Whatever is on their mind, they will still spill it. It allows people to freely share their thoughts regardless of their content and consequences. We can relate this to our everyday lives in a way that people will also express unsolicited opinions about us based on what they think of us but not what we really are.

For that reason, we must learn how to assess every piece of information that we encounter. The type of communication that we have on Facebook today is so powerful as there’s no hindrance for one to take such actions and comments for which they have the authority over their accounts. Stay vigilant!

__________________________

Joselle Lyka M. Ramos | M.S. 11 - R

The idea of the panopticon is now more than ever, so relevant to the different kinds of media practices that we do. According to the same source, in the form of surveillance capitalism, workers are being monitored through the amount of work they accomplish,  parents can monitor their children’s mobile use, and governments collect internet data for suspected terror attacks. Mundane everyday digital habits such as searching the internet, scrolling through social media accounts, and watching online videos all fit into one-way information collection. Just like the prisoners in the cell, we are being monitored by something we do not see. Our online behaviour and actions can always be seen but you never see the observer (The Ethics Centre, 2017). 

The idea of the panopticon illustrates how we are being manipulated by outside forces such as the media and other users. The “surveillance culture” creates an illusion in our minds that there is someone always watching us thereby manipulating the way we present ourselves across various media platforms we utilize. Unknowingly, we are becoming prisoners of our today's media culture. 

Reference:

The Ethics Centre. (2017). Ethics Explainer: The Panopticon. Retrieved from, 

https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-panopticon-what-is-the-panopticon-effect/#:~:text=Prisoners%20will%20never%20know%20whether,of%20society%20could%20be%20altered.

Patricia Mae M. Pioquinto | MS 11-R

Filipinos are quite known for their positive disposition towards troubles---smiling and finding something to laugh about, especially during trying times, and the use of memes have become one of the most pivotal modes of expressing ideas and humor in the Philippines. People are always on the lookout for things with meme capability. However, there are certain aspects of these “humor” I find irking and wrong. Some specific memes that fall under these are memes generated from interviews of criminals, and from the Raffy Tulfo in Action. 

The act of using such issues for the sake of making a meme lauds insensitivity. We are caught up with making something funny and laughing that we will be willing to overlook things such as criminality or violation of other’s privacy. Humor established on these conditions make it seems like netizens can overlook basic decency for as long it is deemed funny and satiate their need for entertainment.

Llan Arexandr G. Tena
MS 11 - Z 

indaysbonget (@popppps). 2022. “she knows?! walang iyakan kay inday baka maging meme 😂 #saraduterte #saraduterte2022🇵🇭👊 #marcosduterte2022 #fyp.” TikTok, April 20, 2022. https://www.tiktok.com/@popppps/video/7088681285530520859?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7088681285530520859.

  

Nowadays, the culprit would perpetually fake his/her identity into some credible personality and flood your messages. For example, “You won on…! This is Atty. Felipe Gozon. You may claim by clicking this link.” Mostly, the victims are kids and senior citizens, who are quite easy to deceive with the lack of knowledge on social media. Also, the victims are much delighted to become a victim with the amount they could get. It is quite alarming, how the attacker would even specify the full name of the victim to lure them. According to Leandro Aguirre of the National Privacy Commission, the smishing attacks may have manually or electronically gathered our identities from "popular payment applications, mobile wallets, or chat apps.” (Gregorio, 2022)

With that, every individual must be wary and conscious about identifying too good to be true proposals. Cybercrime has become a serious offense the world must address properly as the attacker would find whatever ways to victimize someone knowing they would be difficult to penalize as they are hidden on the internet.

Jelenie A. Malison

M.S. 11 - R

Gregorio, X. (2022, September 7). Scam texts got your name? These apps may have been the source. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/09/07/2208049/scam-texts-got-your-name-these-apps-may-have-been-source

With the globalization and massive popularity of Korean Pop and culture, comes with it the new wave of beauty standards. South Korea has been known for its high rate of plastic surgeries and the societal fixation on appearances. Due to the large consumer market and the culture itself, their beauty industry is one of the most successful and massive globally. 

People who do not conform to these societal expectations nor norms are normally outcasted and bullied. The diet culture in the Korean entertainment industry where starving is known to be a practice that is done to maintain the artists’ lean bodies greatly influence people who follow them. In a study by Han (2003), Korean media’s portrayal of thin images affected the participants’ image dissatisfaction and eating disturbance. The obsession towards these beauty standards brings more harm than good. 

Jillian Evangelista
MS11 - Z

 

References:

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Lookism. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved October 3, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lookism

Han, M. (2003). Body image dissatisfaction and eating disturbance among Korean college female students: Relationships to media exposure, upward comparison, and perceived reality. Communication Studies, 54(1), 65-78. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510970309363266

YouTube for instance is one of the most dominant social media platforms today. If you amass a big subscriber count on the platform, it is easy to gain money and influence. A manifestation of its power to influence is the popularization of the term breaking my silence. 

In 2019, YouTube was so saturated with videos of drama and controversy among youtube personalities, as well as the infamous apology videos. One of these videos that became popular was entitled, “breaking my silence” uploaded by the youtube personality, Tati Westbrook. Since then, the phrase has become a running joke among internet users, and until now, it is used to ridicule petty fights on social media.

With today’s recognition of the power of social media, anyone can break their silence. From personal problems to issues about the country, everyone has space to voice their concerns. Social media has made it easier for us to be catalysts for change. However, it is critical to know what kind of change we want to initiate. With the rampant spreading of disinformation, we must break our silences and always champion the truth. We have power, let us use it responsibly.  

References:

“Lego Group Kicks off Global Program to Inspire the next Generation of Space Explorers as NASA Celebrates 50 Years of Moon Landing.” The Harris Poll, July 16, 2019. https://theharrispoll.com/briefs/lego-group-kicks-off-global-program-to-inspire-the-next-generation-of-space-explorers-as-nasa-celebrates-50-years-of-moon-landing/. 

The practice of anonymity is very present in today’s internet landscape. From a group of hacktivists exposing government secrets naming themselves aptly—Anonymous, to instructors making use of the Jamboard platform, allowing students to voice their concerns anonymously. Even universities and corporations use evaluation systems for faculty and employees for students and coworkers to express their opinions without fear of getting fired or targeted. Similar programs such as; ASKfm, Curious Cat, and NGL provide people a chance to ask people anything without being known.

However, when does anonymity go from being a useful tool to a destructive weapon? What do we do when the safe space it supposedly provides becomes a toxic environment? When it becomes an avenue for insensitivity, harassment, hate, and discrimination?

It is of utmost importance to understand the weight of our words and its impact on others. By wielding anonymity conscientiously, we can utilize it in a more productive manner.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” It is our duty to remind ourselves and everyone else that freedom of speech is not freedom from consequence.

Ponzi schemes have been rampant ever since the technology in communication is evolving – these are fraudulent acts involving investments with high returns using referrals from a website. These scammers usually use promising and encouraging words (telling lies) and showing falsified proofs in their internet paraphernalia to persuade investors to get into their paper companies. “Jebaiting” or scamming these innocent people with no idea how investment is done is one of their primary objectives until the scheme runs out.

The idea of seeking easy money is not quite different from getting defrauded. This is truly alarming as we want to explore opportunities with our financial capabilities. Investment is not a scam if it has legal basis and permission backed by the authorities. Verify first before taking a risk. You should not be “fear(ed) of missing out”, or “FOMO” with what you see on the internet.

 Reference:

Chen, J. (2022).Ponzi schemes: Definition, examples, and origins. Investopedia. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/ponzischeme.asp

Kyan Shane R. Bartolome
MS 11 - Z

This concept manifests in many aspects of everyday life. For example, people may constantly swipe through their social media feeds, rarely stopping to engage with or reflect on a particular post (Scolari, 2009). In dating, people may use apps like Tinder to quickly assess and discard potential partners with a simple swipe left or right (Tinder, 2021). In the job market, employers may use resumes and cover letters as a way to quickly assess and filter job applicants, rather than taking the time to truly get to know them (Bowen & Rust, 2018).

Swipe Culture can be seen as a metaphor for today's media culture because it reflects the fast-paced and superficial nature of much of our interactions and consumption (Postman, 1992). It is an appropriate illustration of today's culture because it highlights the ways in which technology and the constant flood of information has changed our relationships and interactions with each other and the world around us (Turkle, 2011).

References:

Bowen, S. A., & Rust, J. (2018). The role of resumes in the hiring process: Theory and evidence. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 71(4), 722-755.

Postman, N. (1992). Technopoly: The surrender of culture to technology. Vintage Books.

Scolari, C. (2009). Hypermediacy: How the Internet Has Changed the Way We Communicate. Peter Lang.

Tinder. (2021). How it works. Retrieved from https://www.gotinder.com/how-it-works

Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. Basic Books.

Vinia Almonte
MS 11 R

 

Jon David E. Yen

MS 11 - Z