Exploring the positive self and virtual relationship experience of emering Filipino Facebook users

• Main Authors: Baloloy, Jim Rey R., Medel, Nannette, Valle, Joanne Rachelle, Cruz, Filemon, Relleve, Chester
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource); Social media—Influence; Social media—Psychological aspects; Social networks; Self-presentation; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Social Media
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/5951
• Institution: De La Salle University

Facebook is considered as one of the most popular social networking sites in the world and it is apparent that Filipinos are one of its top users. Despite the popularity of the site, empirical evidence has implicated Facebook use with a wide variety of negative outcomes but with less knowledge on the positive effects of its use. The present investigation seeks to understand the positive experiences of Facebook use among Filipinos to capture a deeper understanding of the positive influences of the social networking site on the self and social relationships. Six individuals were asked to share two Facebook posts that they believe had a positive influence on them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted which focused on the two shared posts. The results of thematic analysis using Giorgi’s (1975) phenomenological analysis show four themes: Facebook makes families closer; Facebook facilitates connection with people; Facebook contributes to identity formation and; Facebook facilitates positive emotions. The findings of the study provide insights on positive Facebook experiences, family dynamics, and Filipino virtual identity.