Written by: Aiya Rodjel
With over 80 million social media users in the country, it is no wonder that the Philippines is the world’s social media capital. It is usual for an everyday Filipino to have accounts on different social media platforms. As long as you have a reliable internet provider in the Philippines, you can access your social media accounts through your computer or mobile devices.

Given how social media has become a massive part of Filipinos’ lives, how has it affected Filipino culture? This article will discuss social media’s positive and negative effects on Filipino culture. We’ll delve into how social media changed Filipino culture throughout the years.
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How long do Filipinos spend on social networking sites?

It is essential to note just how much time Filipinos spend on social media to understand the gravity of social media’s effects on Filipino culture. Filipinos spend an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes each day on social media.
This is significantly higher than the social media screen time of users from other countries. Colombia, the country with the second heaviest social media usage, clocked in an average of 3 hours and 45 minutes. Meanwhile, the global average social media screen time is 2 hours and 25 minutes. Hence, Filipino people spend significantly more time on social media than others worldwide.
What do Filipino social media users normally do?

Filipinos use their social media platforms for various reasons. Many Filipinos utilize social media for breaking news on international events and local news. While some people still watch television and read newspapers for information, many Filipino readers prefer social media because of its convenience. Most Philippine publications publish their stories online, so it’s easy to access the latest stories.
Another reason Filipinos are on their social media accounts is the networking possibilities. Facebook connects distant relatives easier and makes it possible for people to keep in touch with other friends no matter where they are in the world. Now that it’s discouraged to travel and have big gatherings in real life, social media allows people to spend quality time safely and securely.
Another popular reason Filipinos use social media is to share their daily lives and views. Young people, in particular, like to share their opinion and give the world a glimpse of what’s happening in their lives. Social media also provides an opportunity to make new friends and learn new life skills.
Filipinos get to learn a lot on social media. Filipino people use the online space to learn about western culture and other influential countries. Hence, social media provides the opportunity to grow culturally as well.
What are the positive and negative effects of being on a social media site?
Social media has a lot of positive and negative effects on Filipino culture. For example, while sharing there’s nothing wrong with sharing about your life, releasing personal information can be dangerous. Some people might make fake Facebook accounts using your name. Plenty of people get scammed online through hacked accounts and identity thefts.
Social media has made it possible for people to access information on demand. While access to information can be helpful, getting information from fake news or false sources is also a danger. Misinformation can lead to more significant problems and senseless panic. You might end up with just baseless worries if you get information from sources that are not credible.
Business organizations have utilized social media to conduct business transactions and market their services and products to a broader population. Amid the pandemic, many Filipinos have started online businesses to get by. Hence, social media has been crucial for people’s survival.
On the other hand, there has been a rise in illegitimate business partners and fake products. Determining whether independent sellers are genuine or not has been challenging. Thus, it is crucial to conduct background checks before pushing through with any online transaction.
Social media has paved the way for people to express themselves. However, the open discourse online can cause a lot of conflicts and negativity. Some Twitter accounts use their platform to spread bad things about other people and things. Sometimes, their concerns are valid. On the other hand, there are cases wherein people spread false accusations.
Using Social Networking Sites For Good
Social media has been so prevalent in the Filipino culture that it’s almost impossible for people to disconnect. Giving everyday people a platform for self-expression has changed Filipino culture tremendously. However, this platform can pose too many dangers as well.
Hence, it is essential to keep yourself educated on using social media respectfully and smartly. For example, getting an outside perspective on your appearance can boost your self-esteem. However, it would be best to be cautious about the negative ways unkind comments might affect you.
If you think social media has a negative effect on your life, you should take time to disconnect. You don’t have to be online all of the time.
While social media may have limitless possibilities, too much exposure can be harmful to you. It would be best to protect yourself from legitimate dangers from frequent exposure online. Thus, it would help to balance reel life and real life.
Balancing Social Media and Culture
While there’s nothing wrong with having a presence on favoured social networking sites, too much of anything can be a bad thing. All the negativity online might affect you in negative ways as well. Hence, you must know how to filter between what’s good for you online and what might affect your life negatively.
Social media can be harmful, but it can also be used positively. That’s why you should know how to navigate social media with kindness and responsibility.

To stay connected to your social media platforms, you need fiber internet in your household. As one of the newest internet providers in the Philippines, Streamtech will allow you to use social media for good and help others navigate a more responsible path. Connect with our team for affordable fiber internet plans today.
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