Friday, March 7, 2025

Blurred Lines and Societal Implications

 

                                               (image: youtube.com)

Vlogger na ta tanan.

The appeal of META's monetization options for videos and posts has led many to consider vlogging as a serious pursuit. This shift includes educators who have now adopted the role of "influencers," spending considerable time shooting, editing, and posting their videos on platforms like Facebook.

Filipinos have a strong tradition of sharing stories with friends and family, a cultural phenomenon that extends beyond borders. We view ourselves as deeply interconnected, which is why we enjoy sharing the details of our daily lives, not only with fellow Filipinos but also with foreigners.

Several studies have examined the cultural significance of sharing stories and maintaining interconnectedness among Filipinos. Nolasco (2012) explores how Filipinos use social media to express and share their identities, highlighting the importance of online self-representation. Bautista (2004) discusses the Filipino value of social connectedness and its impact on communication practices, emphasizing the sharing of personal stories.

Teachers and other educators are also engaging in this practice, with some noting that it serves as a way to alleviate stress.

But what happens when vlogging blurs the line between educating the young and becoming overly consumed by the process, causing individuals to lose sight of their primary key responsibility?

This led the Schools Division of Zamboanga del Sur to issue DM 124, s. 2025 on March 5 of this year, titled "Adherence to Professional Conduct in Classrooms – Prohibition of Video Recording and Vlogging During Class/Office Hours." The memorandum emphasizes the importance of ensuring that learners are not included in any vlogs, recordings, or social media content related to personal activities. It also underscores the need to prioritize the structured and uninterrupted delivery of lessons.

Sison (2020) emphasizes the potential risks of involving students in online content, noting the need for safeguards to protect privacy and ensure focus on educational objectives. Additionally, the work of Cruz and Tan (2017) suggests that teachers' use of social media for personal purposes during class hours can distract from their professional duties, which may impact their effectiveness in the classroom.

Looking at the wider scope: Can vlogging be considered a "blue ocean" for us, offering new opportunities in a time when inflation looms daily, threatening the stability of our future? Who can blame people for turning to this appealing and accessible opportunity when even basic needs, like health insurance, are not a government priority?

Sociologists believe that people's actions are often driven by specific stimuli. The growing mass interest in vlogging may be a response to the challenges of the times, with the activity serving as both an escape and a potential opportunity to access better resources or improve one’s circumstances.

According to Pineda and Santos (2019), individuals often turn to digital content creation as a means of coping with economic uncertainty, viewing it as a way to generate income and gain social recognition. Similarly, research by Dela Cruz (2020) suggests that vlogging has become a form of escapism for many, offering a creative outlet amid personal or societal difficulties.

Legislators must carefully consider these studies and emerging phenomena to craft more effective laws that can improve the lives of Filipinos and mitigate the effects of inflation. Attention must also be given to the well-being of the disadvantaged, including teachers, to ensure that the educational system is strengthened and can better serve the needs of the nation.

Yet, some legislators remain skeptical of research. One even said: Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin niyo ba yung research?

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