Drowning Screens: Social Media Experience and the Emotional Well-Being of Filipino Adolescents

• Main Authors: Antiporda, Bea Claire W., Juanengo, Adrienne B., Malaluan, Alleiah Jan L., Martin, Rona Mae Paula H.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: social media experience; emotional well-being; Facebook; Twitter; Filipino adolescent
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2021/paper_lcs/2; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1692/viewcontent/Antipodra_et_al.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study explored the social media experience in Facebook and Twitter and its relation to the emotional well-being conditions of twenty (20) senior high school students in Metro Manila. Online in-depth interviews were conducted that centered on the quality of their Facebook and Twitter experience, the prevalence of distress, negative emotions, and life satisfaction. Facebook and Twitter have been utilized for entertainment and maintenance of social networks online. However, Facebook has been maintained as a “les lieux de communication” or a space to communicate with friends, family members, and classmates. Yet, due to its “public” nature, the participants were inhibited from sharing their thoughts and feelings in their Facebook account. On the other hand, multiple Twitter accounts have been maintained: for public consumption and an “exclusive” account. This exclusive Twitter account has been maintained as a “les lieux de emotion” or a social space wherein they could be inhibited on what ideas, opinions, or sentiments they will share. Experiencing distress, negative emotions, and satisfaction with everyday life has been associated with utilization of Facebook and Twitter due to issues on accessibility and unwarranted information, lack of control on popping up pornographic materials, and the threat of hacking and breached in their “les lieux de communication” and “les lieux de emotion.” Moderation and vigilance should be maintained in utilizing social media accounts to mitigate the risks of negative experience and impact on one’s emotional well-being.