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“The Good and the Bad: How Social Media Affected Me as a Gen Z Individual”

As the society evolves, technology strives to develop more advancements and innovations that will satisfy human demands.  Social media platforms are  something that we are all familiar with. We all use it to gather information, communicate with the society, and gather news that  are crucial to keep us informed about what is going on locally and globally. These are just a few instances of what social media can possibly do for us. However, social media does not only provide us with positive experiences; it also provides us with negative experiences. Yes, these platforms were created to satisfy people but what we don’t realize is that we are enslaved by technology. These media and information platforms are vulnerable to risks, threats, and manipulation. It is undeniable that anyone who is internet savvy has experienced obtaining unverified facts, data, or news that is circulating in these platforms. 

The Millennials, or children in this generation known as Gen Z, have become more immersed in the virtual world than in reality. Undoubtedly, our generation gets to experience the world’s advanced technology by far. It is fascinating yet very pricey. In this generation, Gen Z, they prefer to chat, kill their time on social media by scrolling on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, play virtual games and share information that is not verified. These platforms circulate contents that are very powerful that makes the human mind vulnerable. In addition to excessive usage of technologies, it takes a  toll in our physical and mental aspects. One might have trouble concentrating and are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicide thoughts. Despite of the negative connotations that is connected to social media, we cannot blame anyone but ourselves. In our present time, it is important for an individual to harness their media and information literate self. Discipline starts within, making a difference is one step closer to having united solutions. We should not wait to be influenced, we should be the one’s to spread our influence instead. An action today is the solution of tomorrow. 

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“Digital Divide in the New Normal”

The digital divide has existed since civilization started thriving towards a comfortable future. Today, it is still existent in countries that are developed and also in progressing ones. Fortunately, the gap has lessened over the years but everything took a halt when the pandemic happened. As people say:  "Progress is never linear." In this time of the pandemic, people have evolved to have a technology-based lifestyle. Unfortunately, some people cannot afford to keep up with the lifestyle as the economy started to fall, jobs have become scarce in number, and providing basic needs and safety for the family is a priority. People don't have the same financial capabilities to obtain gadgets, geographical locations to obtain a good broadband signal, and resources to be technology literate individuals.  This has made the stairs harder to climb and the finish line longer to reach. The new normal has brought change to our life and has led us to a world where technology is like a lifeline for everything.

It is undeniable that our country is one of the countries that is recognized for having impressive progress. However, what many do not see eye to eye is the widening gap of digital division in people, morally and ethically. In technological advancements and times of crisis, capitalism took the opportunity and stunned everyone through increased prices of our needs and wants. It has affected many, especially in the education and labor sectors. As we are transitioning to contactless transactions, everyone has been too reliant on technology and spends more time in the virtual world than being present in reality, but also many are left behind. Each one of us is facing our battles, yet not everyone can alleviate them. Considering each factor and effect,  we cannot stop the digital divide but we can lessen the gap. Creating effective solutions that are in touch with reality is one solution to having a more inclusive environment for everyone.

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“Delivering News in the Present Age”

 The present age of broadcasting is now easy to transmit. Social Media and Networking Sites are useful of becoming a tool for broadcasting by sharing and spreading the news articles and blogs such as in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc. By the useful creativity of media broadcasting and in social networking sites, delivering news in the present era is easy compared to the other ages where you must throw news magazine on neighbor’s door, or even ride a chariot to taunt and spread the news about report. Such individuals like us at this present can listen and view news regardless of whether they are in transport or outside without the use or buying article papers or sitting in front of the television. All you can do is just effectively open phones and social media accounts and search the recent or previous news.

However, delivering news can also create a huge impact of the society and creates major threats. False broadcast of certain issues in articles, blogs, or post articles can create catastrophe where it makes the listener manipulated by that news and deceive people’s perceptions of reality. With the help of broadcasting experts, they can prevent from delivering and widespread fake news. We must still observe, confirm, and watch trusted broadcast companies on television and read legit articles. Moreover, news’ contents generally focuses in its specific objectives and relies heavily on debates, especially advocacy.

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“Understanding the Relevance of Information Literacy and News Literacy in the Midst of Social Era”

       In a world of vast development, the Social era is an essential for 21st century people. It has given people the opportunity to acquire information directly to the public through advances in technology. These developments have increased  the possibility of individuals and institutions to effectively communicate, functional collaboration with others, and be creative despite constraints. It has established its name and platform to the people making it widespread and accessible. Hence, the variety of available media ,information,  and news circulating in the internet makes it difficult to distinguish what contents are factual and fictitious. It is our role as individuals to harness the ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret the media, information, and news being disseminated and not stray from the truth. 

       It is certain that the social era consists of varying networks that have common objectives or intentions that provide news, media, and information to the public to take interest in and engage with the content. As a result, it makes the public vulnerable to being manipulated, deceived, and used as a tool for broadening  their influence to certain topics and issues in our society. One can observe that social media platforms do contain hefty numbers of information and news being disseminated and obtained everyday without proper evaluation of its credibility and source. Individuals must harness the ability to think critically, distinguish facts from fictitious contents, recognize the objective and intention behind the words, research the topics further, and be a responsible user with accountability as these are the foundations of being literate and well informed citizens in the midst of a social revolution. 

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“Media and Government: A Love-Hate Relationship”

The relationship between the media and government has always been indisputable and never ending. Media and the government always reach the headlines. The media keeps us informed whatever the government is up to, they are ready to broadcast and spread information to keep the people’s interest at height. The Philippine Media interests the citizens of our country by catering to the unheard voices, reporting and discussing the government’s operations, and addressing the public’s  concern and building rapport. The common demand of the people is what keeps the media in power. In the midst of a pandemic, most people spend their time on social media platforms to be updated and informed of the current events that are happening whether in local or global aspects.  

It is undeniable that Filipino citizens are all over the social media platforms as they do have real time updates on news and information. As a result of high engagement statistics,  it does have its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. When we explore the capabilities of media, we can say that it is a wonderful invention. However, it is not all glorious as we dig deeper into the contents, we will notice that there are hidden agendas of people whether it is for political or personal endeavors. Contents may contain texts that are made for mind manipulation, bashing disguised as constructive criticisms, personal agendas reconstructed as public campaigns and advocacies. The media is a tool for disseminating information, it is the humans that are responsible for maintaining the quality of the information. In a democratic country, people use their freedom to voice out and take actions to change something for the common good. Nevertheless, it is the role of the audience to recognize the lines in between and to interpret the message. In conclusion, knowledgeable and well-aware citizens are the key to having a functional free-willed country

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“The Value of Being a Media and Information Literate Individual”

       Our world constantly changes to establish greater technologies for all aspects of our lives. Just like our world, media and information has significantly improved and become widespread. Making it an essential outlet for 21st Century people. These technologies have made great inventions that are much needed in our society today. In the present time, one of the most notable invention is the Internet, where people of all ages have easy access to all current and old contents of media and information. Moreover, it has greatly influenced our lives on how we navigate daily matters, such as gathering news and information, socializing with others, and sharing contents. We, humans are political beings by nature, as a result we tend to thrive to have better results  for our lives whether individual or communal goal.

      As we join the current social era, we must bear in mind that it is important to possess the values of being a media and information literate as we sail through life. Currently, almost if not all, have access to the internet where we communicate, exchange ideas, and collaborate with others. It is understandable that we are able to use it to its extent but we need to bear in mind that every action comes with a consequence. With these means, we must set limitations and utilize the resources we have today in  the right and functional way. Harnessing this skill enables us to have better means to improve our quality of life, interpret and convey substantial ideas and messages, and efficiently have a healthy engagement with our society, culture, and politics. Being a media and information literate does not limit to learning and using it in utilizing a variety of media but to be able to apply it in every action and decision we make. In the long run, being a media and information literate does not only benefit one but also everyone else.