Social media

THE rise of social media has transformed the way we communicate, share information and connect with one another. In Philippine society, social media has become an integral part of daily life, shaping the way we perceive the world and interact with each other.

However, amid the countless benefits that social media brings with great speed, there are also significant concerns surrounding its impact on our society. My column today aims to shed light on the downside of social media and their effects on Philippine society.

One prominent evil of social media is the proliferation of misinformation and fake news. The instantaneous nature of social media allows for the spread with lightning speed, of unverified and often deliberately false information, leading to the erosion of truth and trust in the media, as well as the manipulation of public opinion and discourse.

In the Philippines, the spread of fake news through social media has had severe consequences, from misleading political narratives to false health information during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to social division, confusion and a loss of credibility in traditional sources of information.

Another significant evil of social media is the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment. The anonymity and distance provided by social media platforms have emboldened individuals to engage in harmful behavior with little accountability, combined with the use of abusive and vicious language. In the case of Filipino society, cyberbullying has had devastating effects on the mental health and well-being of many individuals, especially the youth.

The anonymity of social media often emboldens people to engage in harmful and hurtful behavior without consequence, leading to trauma, lasting emotional damage, even the loss of friendships at the worst.

Moreover, social media has exacerbated the issue of social comparison and unrealistic standards, particularly among the youth in the Philippines. The constant exposure to carefully curated images and lifestyles on social media platforms has fueled feelings of inadequacy and lowered self-esteem, contributing to a culture of seeking validation through likes, followers and the portrayal of an idealized life, often leading to anxiety, depression and a distorted sense of self-worth.

Furthermore, social media has become deeply integrated into daily life. The addictive nature of social media platforms has been a concern. Constant notifications, curated content and the fear of missing out have contributed to a significant increase in screen time and online engagement. This has led to a decline in realworld social interactions, reduced productivity and adverse impacts on mental and physical health.

Another evil of social media in Filipino society is its potential to amplify extremism and polarize public discourse. Social media algorithms often prioritize content that elicits strong emotional reactions, leading to the spread of extremist views and the creation of echo chambers. I was shocked when I read these types of communication in one of my chat groups, which was why I left the group. The group atmosphere was very intense, with the insistence of the sender’s self-righteousness, and others agreeing with the posit like they were recognizing the sender who fancied herself to be the alpha of the pack. This is somewhat akin to some born-again Christians who insist that one will not go to heaven if he/she is not born again — either you argue to death or leave the chat group. I chose the latter which is more peaceful and less stressful.

This has fueled political polarization, social division and the erosion of civil discourse, endangering the harmonious coexistence and democratic ideals of Filipino society. This, in turn, determines the behavior of the individual in public, being acceptable in social media. The result — chaos.

In addition, the rise of social media has brought forth privacy concerns and data security risks for Filipino users. The collection, use and monetization of personal data by social media platforms have raised questions about privacy rights and digital sovereignty. The potential misuse of personal information and the lack of comprehensive data protection measures have exposed Filipino users to risks of identity theft, exploitation and surveillance. The much-touted SIM Card Registration Act tried to curtail this but failed miserably.

While social media has undoubtedly brought about unprecedented connectivity and opportunities for expression, its proliferation has also given rise to significant evils that have had profound implications for Filipino society. Navigating the digital landscape, it is essential to critically examine the impact of social media and work toward mitigating its detrimental effects. This includes fostering media literacy, promoting responsible digital citizenship, and advocating for ethical and transparent practices by social media platforms. No amount of “task forces” will get rid of these evils, only a smart and comprehensive study will suffice with implementation.

By addressing these challenges, we can strive to harness the potential of social media for positive change while safeguarding the well-being and integrity of Filipino society.