A reflection on how social media shapes identity in the Philippine context by: Adam Lester E. Patajo

The social media trend fueled by technological advancements is dominating the world today. Together with this advancement lead by social media, is a trend of globalization— where the world is becoming a global village making the nation-states borderless.

In the Philippine context, social media is nonetheless becoming a part of the everyday life of every people, in all status, and in all ages. It is becoming a medium which many people are using to voice out their opinions about many issues that affects the country— either domestic or international. This trend also helps in shaping the identity of the Filipinos, either individually or collectively. Social media is used as a tool for collaborative action. For instance, during the Miss Universe 2019, the Filipino people used the (hashtag) #MissUniversePhilippines to show support for the country’s representative in the pageant, during Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s boxing fight, many Filipinos used the (hashtag) #Pacman to extend their support; and even during the Marawi siege, many citizens posted in their social media accounts especially in Twitter where many  twitted in their respective accounts how they condemned terrorism and wished for its end by or through their prayers using the (hashtag) #PrayforMarawi.  These very acts in itself show how Filipinos develop a collective identity in which one way or another manifests patriotism.

Despite the fact that the Philippines is using social media in shaping national identity, it is not yet fully utilized, and oftentimes, is abused in many ways. Filipinos used social media because of many reasons— most of the time, for fun and leisure. But many citizens create and use fake or dummy accounts to make hate-speeches and incur damages to other people or institution. These fake accounts (dummy accounts) were used as a scapegoat to veer away from incrimination and liabilities which in a way is creating a fake identity. This concern is very troublesome as it tends to mislead the public. This issue of fake identity is something that should be addressed properly before it becomes a major problem. Social media, without a doubt, is now used as face and voice of many people around the world. In the Philippines, many citizens partake of the trend by creating a new identity— many people say that this is good, some assert otherwise. Lastly, many people are using social media to create an identity and a voice to create and channel change— therefore, we, netizens should all the time be very cautious about which to support.