Filipinos and Facebook

 Introduction:

Facebook is a social networking website where users may make profiles, add friends, locate long-lost old friends, exchange information and media, such as photographs, videos, status updates, and links. Facebook likes, comments, and shared postings are Facebook standards that have become routine for many of us.

Facebook bridges great distances, letting individuals keep in contact with loved ones no matter where they may be physically located. Its intuitive design and wealth of privacy options give users complete command over their online identities and the information they choose to make public.

Facebook is undeniably one of the most well-known and influential social networks today. Created by Mark Zuckerberg and his undergraduate friends in 2004, Facebook's global MAUs (monthly active users) reached 2.989 billion in April 2023, with 68 percent of that number logging in on a daily basis.  During the same time frame, there were 2.037 billion daily active users (DAUs) on Facebook. As of November 2022, 36.7% of the world’s 8 billion population, or 2.93 billion users use Facebook monthly.

Facebook dominates the social media landscape in the Philippines. As of July 2023, 96.2% of all Filipinos aged 16–64 with internet access used Facebook on a monthly basis. Far behind are YouTube (57%), TikTok (17%), Instagram (14%), and Twitter (8%).

Facebook's influence can be seen across all levels of Filipino society, from the political to the economic to the cultural to the interpersonal.  We briefly discuss the impact of Facebook on Filipinos' everyday lives, both positively and negatively.

1. Facebook as a Vehicle for Social Connectivity and Communication

Facebook has significantly impacted the way Filipinos interact and share information, allowing them to stay in constant contact with loved ones and friends, regardless of distance. This platform enables a constant flow of information about users' lives, fostering a sense of home and bringing people together. Facebook has revolutionized interpersonal communication, breaking down barriers and fostering intimate connections within Filipino communities. It also has revolutionized news dissemination, providing instant access to news items and events, enabling rapid communication and access to current events.

2. Facebook as a Platform for Political Advocacy and Mobilization

Facebook has become a powerful tool for political advocacy and mobilization in the Philippines, enabling citizens to voice their concerns, debate important issues, and hold elected officials accountable. It has also facilitated community mobilization, gathering support, and information dissemination during major events like elections and social movements. Facebook has significantly impacted Philippine politics, enabling politicians to reach a large audience and make personal connections with voters. It has also fueled social movements and mass action, such as the 2013 "Million People March" demonstration against corruption. Through Facebook, Filipinos now have a platform to effect positive change in their country and neighborhood 

3. Facebook terms have found their way into the Filipino Everyday Language

Here are some Facebook terms that have found common usage in the Philippines

a) Add: This means adding a friend on Facebook.

b) Block: This means to prevent someone from seeing your Facebook profile or posts or sending messages to you.

c) Comment: This means to leave a comment on someone's Facebook post or photo.

d) FB or Facebook - These terms refer to the platform itself. Filipinos often use "FB" as a shorthand way to refer to Facebook.

e) Follow: Originally associated with subscribing to a person's updates on Facebook, "follow" has become a common term used when someone wants to stay updated about another person's activities or content, regardless of the platform.

f) Like: This means to express your approval agreement or appreciation of someone's Facebook post or photo.

g) Message: This means to send a private message to someone on Facebook.

h) Post: This means to share a message, photo, or video on Facebook.

i) Profile: This is the page that contains your personal information on Facebook, such as your name, photo, and contact details.

j) Share - This term is used both on Facebook and in everyday conversation. On Facebook, it refers to the action of reposting or spreading someone else's post on your own timeline. In general conversation, Filipinos use "share" to mean telling or passing information to others.

k) Status" - In the context of Facebook, a status refers to a user's post that expresses their current thoughts, feelings, or activities. Filipinos commonly use this term to inquire about someone's well-being or what they are currently up to.

l) Tag:  This term is used when someone mentions or identifies another person in a Facebook post or comment by using the @ symbol followed by the individual's name. It has extended to offline conversations, where Filipinos use "tag" to refer to mentioning or calling someone's attention.

m) Timeline - In Facebook, the timeline refers to a user's profile page where their posts and activities are displayed chronologically. Filipinos have adopted this term to refer to someone's personal history or life events.

n) Unfriend: This means to remove someone from your list of friends on Facebook.

In addition to these common terms, there are also some Filipino-specific terms that are used on Facebook. These include:

a) Charot: This is a slang term that means "joking" or "just kidding."

b) Epal: This is a slang term that means "attention-seeking" or "showing off."

c) Gandang Gabi, Vice!: This is the title of a popular late-night talk show in the Philippines. It is often used as a greeting on Facebook.

d) Inuman: This means "to drink" or "to have a drink." It is often used in the context of social gatherings.

e) Kaway-kaway!: This is a slang term that means "wave!" or "hello!" It is often used in online greetings.

f) Nangangamusta?: This is a polite way of asking "How are you?" in Filipino.

g) Pahingi ng like!: This means "Give me a like!" It is often used in the context of asking for likes on a Facebook post.

h) Sana all!: This is a slang term that means "I wish I could all have that!" It is often used in the context of expressing envy or admiration.

r) Wag kang feelingero!: This means "Don't be conceited!" It is often used in the context of telling someone to be humble.

These are just a few of the Facebook terms that are commonly used in the Philippines. As the platform continues to grow in popularity, new terms are sure to emerge.

3. Facebook Opens Entrepreneurial Opportunities  

Facebook has significantly impacted the Philippine economy by providing new opportunities for company development and entrepreneurship. By opening virtual shops, Filipino entrepreneurs can promote their products to a wider audience, benefiting startups and budding entrepreneurs. Facebook Marketplace has enabled P2P trade, boosting local economies. The platform has also impacted the business climate, with startups and small companies using it as a low-cost marketing tool and e-commerce expansion. Facebook also benefits SMEs by increasing sales, establishing stronger relationships, and spreading the word about their products.

5. Facebook Brings Information Access and Awareness

Filipinos increasingly rely on Facebook for news and information, but the widespread spread of false information poses a challenge. Facts are distorted, societal differences worsen, and public confidence is eroded. Media literacy programs and ethical online behavior are needed to address this issue. The platform's algorithmic design and widespread use of false information make it difficult to distinguish between news and information, potentially contributing to false claims.

 6. Facebook’s Negative Effects on Mental Health and Well-being

Facebook's positive effects on communication are weighed against potential negative impacts on users' psychological well-being. Excessive use of the site can lead to anxiety, despair, and isolation, while constant self-comparing to idealized representations can cause inadequacy and false expectations. Additionally, the addictive nature of social media can cause users to withdraw from others and have fewer in-person conversations.

7. Fakebook’s Privacy and Data Security Issues

Privacy and data security concerns have arisen due to Facebook's use of user data for targeted advertising and targeted advertising. As with false information, critics argue that Facebook's algorithms and content curation procedures may also influence users' attitudes and actions negatively, potentially causing misuse of their personal information. Additionally, Facebook's use of face recognition technologies raises privacy concerns, as it automatically proposes tags for individuals in photographs without their consent. Facebook's data breaches have raised concerns about the safety of user data and potential exploitation by unauthorized parties.

To be fair to Facebook, it has strengthened its privacy policies, enhanced its content filtering, and partnered with fact-checking organizations to combat misinformation in response to its critics.

8. Facebook Suffers From Digital Divide and Unequal Access to Information

Facebook has significantly impacted Filipino society, but there is still a digital gap due to differences in internet access and digital knowledge. This divide is a significant issue globally, including in the Philippines. Facebook has been praised for bridging the digital divide and connecting people with shared interests, but it has also been criticized for increasing inequalities in access to information. Many Filipinos rely solely on Facebook for news, which may lead to the homogenization of opinions and falsehoods. 

Access to fast and reliable internet is difficult in rural regions due to infrastructure, cost, and lack of digital awareness. Facebook's Free Basics program faced opposition in the Philippines, as it violated net neutrality principles by favoring certain websites and services. To address these issues, public and private groups are working to enhance internet access, teach residents digital technology, and publicize informational resources beyond Facebook.

9. Facebook’s Impact On Social And Individual Behavior

The way Filipinos see themselves, one another and the rest of the world has been profoundly influenced by Facebook. It has allowed people to share their stories, connect with others, and feel more at home. It has also given rise to issues such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and addiction, highlighting the need of using it with caution and introspection.

Facebook's sponsored partnerships and endorsements have also swayed public opinion and business practices. It has helped individuals in the Philippines and abroad stay in touch with friends and family by increasing the ease with which they may do so. However, technology has also helped spread incorrect information and fake news, which might have negative consequences for society as a whole.

10. Facebook Has Helped The Filipino Business Community

Facebook has significantly benefited Philippine companies by expanding their online presence, enabling local businesses to establish an online identity, promote their products, and interact with consumers. This has leveled the playing field between SMEs and larger competitors. Facebook's granular targeting capabilities have helped companies develop profitable advertising strategies with less outlay, boosting leads, brand recognition, and revenue.

In real-time, companies can interact with customers through comments, direct messages, and live chat. Facebook's built-in e-commerce features, Shops, Marketplace, and tagging items in posts help businesses increase their customer base and online sales. Facebook Groups provide networking and community-building resources for companies, helping them stay updated on industry developments and find potential partners or suppliers.

10. Facebook Has Helped Filipinos Express Themselves

Facebook is a platform where Filipinos can be themselves and share their lives, contributing to a more inclusive culture. The platform allows users to build personal profiles, share their interests, and build meaningful relationships. Facebook's news feed function allows users to share posts, images, and videos, allowing them to reach a large audience. Multimedia-sharing features allow Filipinos to share photographs, videos, and live broadcasts, allowing them to share their experiences and create meaningful connections.

Filipinos can build online communities dedicated to various causes and pastimes using group and page functionalities. This has given Filipinos a voice, helped them learn about important topics, and organized them to take action on subjects they care about. Facebook's global user base and ease of communication have brought about positive social change and amplified the opinions of previously silenced groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Facebook has completely transformed Filipinos' ability to communicate with one another and has enabled them to form communities online. Its impact on how Filipinos interact with each other is historically unprecedented and is still developing. The sheer size of its user base and the breadth of its services have had and will continue to have, a profound impact on the social dynamics of the Philippines and the opportunities they have for enabling Filipinos to interact, communicate, and participate in the global online world.