RRL (Local studies)
Local Review of Related Literature
The rapid growth of digital technology has significantly transformed how
people access information and communicate with others. In the Philippines,
social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram have
become major sources of news and information, especially among young
people. College students are among the most active users of social media,
making these platforms influential in shaping their opinions, attitudes, and
behaviors regarding political issues. As a result, many researchers have
explored the role of social media in increasing political awareness and
influencing political participation among Filipino youth.
According to Dayrit, Albao, and Cleofas (2022), social media competence
plays an important role in political participation among young Filipino
netizens. Their study examined how digital skills, gender, and social media
usage influence political engagement among Filipino youth. The researchers
found that individuals who are more competent in using social media
platforms tend to participate more actively in political discussions and civic
activities. These activities include sharing political information, expressing
opinions about national issues, and participating in online debates about
government policies and political candidates. The study emphasized that
social media has become an accessible space where young people can voice
their political perspectives and stay informed about current political events.
As such, social media platforms have become significant tools for enhancing
political awareness among young citizens, particularly college students who
are highly exposed to digital technologies (Dayrit et al., 2022).
Similarly, Calderon, Tabladillo, and Galeon (2024) examined the exposure of
university students to political promotion on TikTok and its influence on their
political participation. Their study revealed that the increasing presence of
political content on TikTok contributes to greater awareness of political issues
among students. Many young voters rely on short-form videos and online
discussions to learn about candidates, government programs, and social
issues. The researchers found that students who frequently encounter
political messages on social media platforms are more likely to form opinions
about political matters and participate in political discussions. This finding
highlights the growing influence of social media platforms in shaping the
political perspectives of young voters in the Philippines (Calderon et al.,
2024).
In addition, Rabaca and Butalid (2024) investigated the influence of social
networking sites on the political participation of college students. Their study
discovered that the motivations behind social media use, such as information
seeking, social interaction, and entertainment, significantly affect students’
level of political engagement. Students who primarily use social media to
obtain news and information are more likely to become aware of political
events and issues. Furthermore, the researchers found that exposure to
political content encourages students to express their opinions online, share
political posts, and engage in discussions about political matters with their
peers. These findings suggest that social networking sites serve as platforms
that facilitate political awareness and civic participation among college
students (Rabaca & Butalid, 2024).
Another study conducted by Arabani, Bayon-on, Ocampo, and Dagohoy
(2022) examined the relationship between social networking usage and
youth involvement in political activities. Their findings showed that social
media plays a significant role in shaping the political attitudes and voting
confidence of young people. The study revealed that students who frequently
use social networking sites are more likely to access political information,
follow political discussions, and become interested in electoral processes.
Through social media, young voters are exposed to different viewpoints and
political perspectives, which help them develop their own opinions and make
informed decisions during elections. The researchers concluded that social
media platforms serve as important channels for political education and
engagement among the youth (Arabani et al., 2022).
Furthermore, Velasco et al. (2024) explored the digital dynamics of political
engagement among Filipino youth. Their study emphasized that digital
platforms have become central spaces for political discussions and civic
participation. Filipino youth increasingly use social media to share political
opinions, support political campaigns, and participate in online activism. The
researchers noted that the accessibility and widespread use of digital
platforms allow young individuals to engage in political activities even
without participating in traditional forms of political involvement such as
rallies or public meetings. This demonstrates that social media has
transformed the way young citizens interact with political issues and
participate in democratic processes (Velasco et al., 2024).
Additionally, Quimba et al. (2024) highlighted the role of online activism in
shaping the perspectives and behavior of young people toward social and
political issues. Their research focused on youth leaders who actively engage
in social media campaigns and advocacy initiatives. The findings revealed
that social media enables young individuals to promote awareness about
social problems, encourage civic participation, and mobilize support for
political and social causes. Through online engagement, students become
more aware of current events and develop stronger political consciousness.
The researchers concluded that social media platforms serve as powerful
tools for youth empowerment and civic engagement in the digital age
(Quimba et al., 2024).
Overall, these studies demonstrate that social media plays a crucial role in
shaping political awareness and electoral behavior among college students
in the Philippines. By providing easy access to political information,
facilitating discussions about political issues, and enabling online activism,
social media platforms have become influential tools in shaping the political
attitudes and participation of young people. As students increasingly rely on
digital platforms for information and communication, understanding the
impact of social media on their political awareness becomes essential in
analyzing their participation in democratic processes. These findings support
the idea that social media significantly influences how college students
develop political knowledge, form opinions, and participate in electoral
activities.
References
Dayrit, J. C. S., Albao, B. T., & Cleofas, J. V. (2022). Savvy and woke: Gender,
digital profile, social media competence, and political participation among
young Filipino netizens. Frontiers in Sociology.
[Link]
fsoc.2022.966878/full
Calderon, L. Z., Tabladillo, K. J., & Galeon, K. A. (2024). Philippine university
students’ exposure to political promotion on TikTok and their political
participation.
[Link]
Rabaca, C. F. D., & Butalid, M. A. (2024). The influence of social networking
sites in the political participation of college students.
[Link]
Arabani, M. W., Bayon-on, A. B. C., Ocampo, J. M. M., & Dagohoy, R. G.
(2022). Influence of social networking usage towards youth involvement,
attitude, and confidence in voting.
[Link]
Velasco, J. C., et al. (2024). The digital dynamics of political engagement
among Filipino youth.
[Link]
Quimba, C. G., et al. (2024). Online activism through social media
engagement of community youth leaders.
[Link]