Filipino Youth Social Media Use in 2016

These observations are based on the experiences of my college Introduction to ICT students. I summarized the groups’ answers during one of our exercises.

What apps do they commonly use?

Facebook, SnapChat, Viber and Instagram. People without Facebook accounts are either seen as “losers” or the studious ones. Meanwhile, SnapChat appears as more attractive in terms of combining entertainment and communication. Tumblr was also mentioned, providing a platform for personal blogs, chat, tips, and links.

Why do they use social media?

To view updates and trends, socialize with individuals and groups, communicate with friends and relatives abroad, reconnect with childhood friends, greet people on their birthday, get information on the weather and news, play games such as Tetris, watch videos right on their newsfeed, poke friends, share files for their classes, participate in online classes, see recipes on their newsfeed, and try to be popular by accumulating followers. Famous people, they said, start on the Internet.

One of them said “Andito na ang lahat!” pertaining to Facebook. SnapChat is the go-to app for those interested in the personal lives of artists. Instagram is specifically for fashion trends and online shops while Twitter gives them ideas about trending topics.

When did they start using social media?

When they were around ten to twelve years old (some even experienced changing birthdays to meet an age requirement). That would be between the years 2005 and 2011. They also experienced dial-up connections and socializing in Friendster. They could still remember the days when “testimonials” are in vogue and profile pages with music and animated background seemed to be cool. It was a positive development for them that from sixty pesos, the rate for computer rental went down to fifteen pesos per hour. They started using SnapChat last year and Twitter, in 2009.

What do they share online?

Pictures, selfies, documentation of their day, OOTD, food, travel, cheesy quotes, and even items for sale.

How often do they check their social media?

Some said once every hour while others, surprisingly, every five to ten minutes. They also said that if they posted and no one liked it within 15 minutes, they would remove the post.

Are there things they want to change in social media?

Bashing, cyberbullying, “nonsense” viral videos, hoax, scandals, social pressure (as in the case of marriage), updates on exes, “freaky stuff,” fandom, too much hashtags (defined as going beyond four), chain mails, invites to Facebook groups they don’t like, “pa-cool” and “OA” posts, TMI or oversharing, cyber-harassment, kids posting inappropriate content, fake accounts, Islamophobia, babies’ accounts, change in values, pranks, hackers, and revealing photos such as cleavage shots. People should be more familiar with security settings.