FINALS REVIEWER: STS 101

The Information Age Impact of Social Media on Society

Introduction A. Positive Effects (2019, Social Media Statistics)

●​ The Information Age led to numerous inventions and innovations. 1.​ Socialization
●​ James Robert Messenger (Father of the Information Age), ○​ Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram enable effortless
defined it as "the interrelationship of computers via connections.
telecommunications," creating user dependence. ○​ Strengthens relationships, enhances skill-sharing, and fosters
●​ The Internet was a major breakthrough, improving education, new acquaintances.
communication, and daily life. 2.​ Business
●​ It changed how people communicate, affecting grammar and ○​ Effective digital marketing tool.
spelling usage. ○​ Businesses use real-time interaction to enhance customer loyalty.
●​ Social media enables rapid information sharing, influencing society 3.​ Politics
positively and negatively. ○​ Rapid news distribution.
○​ Platform for political activism, campaign organization, and direct
The Birth of Social Media: Before and Today leader engagement.
4.​ Job Hiring
Social Media Before 1900 ○​ Employers review candidates' social media profiles.
●​ Letters (550 B.C.) - the earliest methods of communicating and ○​ LinkedIn facilitates professional networking.
connecting across great distances used written correspondence 5.​ Education
delivered by hand from individual to another. ○​ Online learning (New normal education) and skill development.
○​ Rise in distance learning and academic offerings.
●​ Telegraph (1792) - It allowed messages to be forwarded over a long
distance far quicker than a horse and rider could carry them. B. Negative Effects
Although telegraph information was short, they were a revolutionary ●​ Privacy risks: Identity theft, cyberstalking.
method to convey news and knowledge. ●​ Workplace productivity decline due to distractions.
●​ Pneumatic post (1865) - utilizes below ground pressurized air tubes ●​ Over-reliance on virtual interactions.
to carry capsules from one area to another. Although no longer ●​ Spread of misinformation or fake news.
well-known outside of drive-through banking, it was created ●​ Cyberbullying leading to mental health consequences.
differently for letters to be delivered instantly between recipients.
Cybercrime and Cybercrime Law
●​ Last decade of the 1800s, two important discoveries happened;
telephone (1890) and radio (1891). Both technologies are far more A. Definition of Cybercrime (Computer crime)
sophisticated than their antecedents. Telephone lines and radio ●​ uses a computer as an instrument to further illegal ends, like
signals empowered people to speak across great distances committing fraud, trafficking in kiddie porn and property, stealing
instantaneously, which humankind had never experienced earlier. identities, or violating privacy.
●​ primarily through the web, has grown in importance because the
Social Media in the 20th Century computer has become central to commerce, entertainment, and
●​ Technology began to change very swiftly. government.
●​ supercomputers (1940s), scientists and engineers started to
develop ways to make networks between those computers, which ●​ In 1996, the Council of Europe, US, Canada, and Japan, began
later caused the Internet to arise. drafting a treaty on computer crime.
●​ CompuServe (1960s): Earliest form of Internet was developed; ●​ Civil libertarian groups protested provisions requiring Internet
primitive sorts of the email was also developed. service providers (ISPs) to store and share customer data
●​ 70s: Networking technology had improved upon request.
●​ UseNet (1970s): granted users to speak through a virtual newsletter. ●​ Despite objections, the Convention on Cybercrime was signed
●​ 1980s: Home computers were becoming more ordinary, and social by 30 states on November 23, 2001.
media was becoming more sophisticated. ●​ The convention came into effect in 2004.
●​ Internet relay chats (IRCs) (1988): continued to be famous well into ●​ Additional protocols addressing terrorism and racist/xenophobic
the 1990s. cybercrimes were proposed in 2002 and enforced in 2006.
●​ Six Degrees (1997): the first distinguishable social media site, It ●​ National laws, including the USA PATRIOT Act (2001),
permitted users to upload a profile and make friends with other expanded government powers to monitor and protect computer
users. networks.
●​ 1999: the primary blogging sites became popular, creating a social
media sensation that’s still popular today. B. Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175)
●​ Approved on September 12, 2012 in the Philippines.
Social Media Now ●​ Addresses legal issues related to online interactions.
●​ Blogging expanded social media use.
●​ MySpace and LinkedIn (early 2000s) C. Categories of Cybercrime
●​ Photobucket and Flickr facilitated online photo sharing.
Offenses Against Integrity, Confidentiality, and Availability of
●​ YouTube (2005): Revolutionized video-sharing.
Computer Data and Systems
●​ Twitter & Facebook (2006): Became global communication ●​ Illegal Access: Unauthorized entry into computer systems.
platforms. ●​ Illegal Interception: Unauthorized transmission capture.
●​ Pinterest, Spotify, Foursquare, Tumblr (present): Specialized ●​ Data Interference: Alteration, deletion, or introduction of viruses.
social networking niches. ●​ System Interference: Hindering computer operations.
●​ Social networking continues evolving with cross-posting capabilities. ●​ Misuse of Devices: Distribution of hacking tools.
●​ Cybersquatting: Fraudulent domain registration.

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Computer-Related Offenses Climate Change – Causes, Impacts, and Issues

●​ Computer-related Forgery: Manipulating electronic data for
deception. The Truth and Consequences of Climate Change
●​ Computer-related Fraud: Unauthorized data alteration for financial
gain. Introduction
●​ Computer-related Identity Theft: Unauthorized use of personal ●​ Extreme weather events have caused deaths and damage over
data. decades.
●​ Study by Katrin Burkart et al. (The Lancet, August 2021):
Content-Related Offenses ○​ 1.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019 linked to extreme heat
●​ Cybersex: Online sexual exhibition for profit. and cold.
●​ Child Pornography: Punished under RA 9775 (Anti-Child ●​ NASA (2022) Evidence:
Pornography Act of 2009). ○​ Nearly 100% consensus among peer-reviewed journals
●​ Unsolicited Commercial Communications: Spam ads without confirms climate change’s integrity.
consent. ●​ Scientific Community Conclusion:
●​ Libel: Online defamation. ○​ 198 scientific organizations globally affirm that human activities
significantly impact climate change.
Other Offenses ○​ Global temperature rise is directly linked to human-caused
●​ Aiding or Abetting Cybercrime: Assisting cybercriminal activities. greenhouse emissions.
●​ Attempting Cybercrime: Unsuccessful cybercrimes are still
punishable. Climate Change
●​ “A change of climate attributed directly or indirectly to human activity
D. Legal Consequences that alters the composition of the global atmosphere beyond natural
●​ Cybersex: 6-12 years imprisonment & fines of ₱200,000-₱1M. variability.” - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
●​ Child Pornography Act of 2009 (RA 9775): Fines ₱50,000-₱5M & Change (UNFCCC)
up to 40 years imprisonment. ●​ “Any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability
●​ Unsolicited Communication: 1-6 months imprisonment & fines or human activity.” - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
₱50,000 up to ₱250,000. Change (IPCC)
●​ Cyber Libel Example (March 2, 2020): Local politician Archie
Yongco sentenced to 8 years in jail for false accusations via Causes of Climate Change
Facebook. By three things:
1.​ Changes in the amount of incoming solar energy
Opportunities created by Information Age 2.​ Changes in the Earth's atmosphere
●​ A self-service environment 3.​ Changes on Earth's surface
●​ Presenting information in different ways
●​ Sharing information quickly Geologic evidence shows climate changes in Earth's past.
●​ Mobile technologies ○​ 18,000 years ago: Vast areas were covered by continental
●​ Virtual communities glaciers, now less than 10% remain.
●​ Greater interaction with others ○​ Since the 1990s: Human influence is the main driver of global
glacier retreat.
Glossary
●​ Information age: The idea that access to and the control of Scientific Studies & Research
information is the defining characteristic of this current era in ●​ CLIMAP (Climate: long -range investigation mapping and
human civilization. prediction) Research Project analyzed climate change over the
●​ Social media: Websites and applications that enable users to past million years using sediment cores and ocean samples.
create and share content or to participate in social networking. ●​ DOST-PAGASA’s ClimGridPh Project (2022) developed an
●​ Cybercrime: Criminal activities carried out by means of interactive map for climate data in the Philippines.
computers or the internet.
●​ Cybercrime Law: Cybercrime law identifies standards of Human Activities Contributing to Climate Change
acceptable behaviour for information and communication ✔ Emission of greenhouse gases (wCO₂, methane, nitrogen oxides,
technology (ICT) users; establishes socio-legal sanctions for CFCs)
cybercrime; protects ICT users, in general, and mitigates and/or ✔ Deforestation and destruction of ecosystems
prevents harm to people, data, systems, services, and ✔ Depletion of natural resources
infrastructure, in particular; protects human rights; enables the ✔ Pollution and mining
investigation and prosecution of crimes committed online ●​ Greenhouse effect:
(outside of traditional real-world settings); and facilitates ○​ Greenhouse gases trap heat and contribute to global
cooperation between countries on cybercrime matters. temperature rise.
○​ The rise in greenhouse gases since 1750 is caused by
human activities.

Global Response: Paris Agreement (2015)

●​ Adopted by 196 nations at Conference of the Parties (COP).
●​ Goal: Limit warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C compared to
pre-industrial levels.

Impacts of Climate Change

A. Effects on Natural Resources & Ecosystems
Philippine Climate Change Assessment Report (2017) & PAGASA (2022)
findings:
●​ Water shortages affect forestry, agriculture, livelihood, health,
human settlements.
●​ Dry spells affect dams, reducing irrigation, drinking water,
domestic water supply, hydroelectric power.
●​ Heavy rains cause flooding, landslides, and mudslides,
damaging infrastructure and transport systems.

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●​ Extreme drought leads to species extinction and frequent forest Different Components of Food Security and Food Insecurity
fires.
●​ Fish populations migrate to deeper, cooler waters, reducing Introduction
catch for fishermen. ●​ Being able to obtain reliably, consume, and metabolize enough safe
and nutritious foods is essential to human well-being.
B. Health Effects ●​ Malnutrition is a universal social problem:
●​ Higher risk of waterborne diseases ○​ Some lack adequate nutrients, leading to undernutrition.
●​ Heat stroke cases increase ○​ Others consume excess food energy, leading to adverse
●​ Pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, especially among health consequences.
children and the elderly ●​ Food security exists in a community when all people have a
physical and economic doorway to enough food to meet their dietary
C. Economic & Social Consequences needs for productive and healthy lives.
●​ Damage to infrastructure and economic losses ●​ More than 800 million people experience hunger or food insecurity
●​ Disruptions in agriculture, food production, and supply chains daily.
●​ Forced migration from coastal areas due to rising sea levels ●​ Food insecurity leads to hunger, which causes:
○​ Undernutrition
Solutions to Climate Change ○​ Illnesses
●​ IPCC (2012) Recommendations: ○​ Lower work productivity
Disaster Risk Management & Climate Adaptation: ●​ These factors negatively impact economic productivity in countries.
○​ Reduce exposure ●​ Low-income families are especially affected by food price
○​ Increase resilience to changing risks fluctuations due to economic and political factors.
○​ Transformation ●​ National crises like the pandemic worsen food availability, leading to
○​ Reduce vulnerability hunger and sickness.
○​ Prepare, respond, and recover from ●​ Imperfect infrastructure, lack of safety plans, and limited food supply
○​ Transfer and share risks perpetuate food insecurity.
●​ Asian Development Bank (2014):
✔ Hard technologies: Renewable energy, climate monitoring Food Security vs. Food Insecurity
systems, disaster-resistant infrastructure ●​ Both are defined within households and obtainability of food, anxiety,
✔ Soft technologies: Improved governance, education, and eating patterns.
capacity-building, sustainable practices ●​ Food security exists when families:
●​ Department of Environment and Natural Resources - ○​ Have access to safe and nutritious food.
Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Training ○​ Do not experience anxiety over food access.
Manual (CP4D): ○​ Acquire food in a typical manner (not resorting to garbage).
✔ Climate-proofing for sustainable development ●​ Categories of Food Security:
○​ High food security: No issues.
Summary of Key Findings ○​ Marginal food security: Occasional shortage and anxiety
●​ Scientific consensus confirms that climate change is real. about supply.
●​ Climate change has occurred multiple times based on geologic ●​ Food insecurity ranges from low to deficient security, mainly
evidence. affecting households with limited financial resources and those
●​ Global temperature rise is directly linked to greenhouse gas struggling to replenish meals.
emissions due to human activities.
●​ Climate change affects ecosystems, livelihoods, safety, and Components of Food Security
health. 1. Food Availability
●​ Adaptation through education, governance, and sustainable ✔ Health-giving food of sufficient quantity must be available. Includes:
practices is crucial. ●​ Production: How much and what variety of food available
Locally manufactured and preserved food supply.
Glossary ●​ Distribution: how is food made accessible, what, to whom, and
●​ Adaptation: Adjustments to climate risks for survival and when.
sustainability. ●​ Exchange: How much; food can be acquired through barter,
●​ Carbon footprint: The total greenhouse gases emitted by an trade, purchase, or credit-based access.
individual or organization. 2. Food Access
●​ Climate change: Long-term shifts in temperature and weather ✔ Individuals and families must obtain sufficient food to eat. Can be
patterns due to human or natural influences. affected by:
●​ Climate extreme: Sudden changes beyond expected climate ●​ Affordability: Ability to afford food based on earnings.
variability. ●​ Allocation: Economic, social, and political regulations on food
●​ Disaster risk management: Strategies to reduce, prepare for, access.
and recover from climate disasters. ●​ Preference: Social, religious, and dietary choices.
●​ Resilience: The ability of a system to anticipate, absorb, and 3. Food Utilization
recover from climate impacts. ✔ People must have access to sufficient food to meet nutritional need and
eat and metabolize food successfully. Factors affecting utilization:
●​ Nutritional Value: Measured in calories, protein, micronutrients
(Vitamin A, iron, iodine).
●​ Health Status: Diseases (diarrhea, AIDS, HIV) affecting food
absorption.
●​ Food Safety: Access to food free from contamination, spoiled food,
and food-borne diseases.
●​ Preparation & Consumption: Cooking methods, hygiene,
knowledge, and resources.
4. Stability
✔ Food must be available, accessible, and utilized properly without
frequent fluctuations.
✔ Prevents malnutrition and food insecurity spikes.

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Importance of Food Security Biotechnology – Understanding its Importance and Applications

1.​ Everyone must eat.
2.​ Food is a fundamental human right (Human Rights Article 25). Introduction
3.​ Food is the basis of a community's wealth (jobs, economy, culture). Biotechnology
4.​ The food system is overly reliant on distant suppliers. ●​ A broad area of biology involving living systems and organisms
5.​ Supermarket variety does not guarantee food security. to develop/make/modify products or processes for specific use.
6.​ Local food production is easier to manage. ●​ is one of the major technologies of the twenty-first century
7.​ Nations depend on food suppliers. (Ratledge & Kristiansen, 2006).
8.​ We must preserve farming and food-processing skills. ●​ Involves recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, and microbiology
9.​ Consumers are increasingly concerned about food-health relations. applications.
10.​ Decent food is the basis of health. ●​ Used in the production of food, medicine, antibiotics, and
environmental solutions.
Types of Food Insecurity ●​ Basic biotechnology combines biology and bioprocessing to
1.​ Chronic food insecurity: provide a complete overview.
○​ Long-term condition (lasting over six months or more). ●​ Includes discussions on public perception, business applications,
○​ Population suffers when it cannot meet minimum food and industry impact.
utilization requirements. ●​ Biotechnology examples:
2.​ Transitory food insecurity: ○​ Burong Mustasa (Pickled Mustard greens)
○​ Short-term issue (temporary food access decline). ○​ Insulin
○​ Occurs due to drought, disasters, or conflicts. ○​ Yoghurt & Cheese
3.​ Seasonal food insecurity: ○​ Tempeh
○​ Reoccurs predictably, following the cyclical pattern of seasons. ●​ Not Biotechnology examples:
○​ Polyethylene/Polypropylene Plastic
Hunger, Malnutrition, and Poverty ○​ Dairy Milk
Hunger: ○​ Tofu
●​ Uncomfortable or painful sensation caused by low food energy
utilization. Modern Biotechnology
●​ Scientifically, it is a weakened condition brought about by prolonged ●​ In vitro nucleic acid techniques, including recombinant
lack of food or a specific nutrient. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and direct injection of nucleic acid
●​ all hungry human beings are food insecure. Still, not all food into cells or organelles
●​ Fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family
insecure human beings are hungry, as there are other causes of
food insecurity, including those due to low intake of micronutrients. Public Perception of Biotechnology
Malnutrition: ●​ Public views on new technologies affect innovation timing, adoption
●​ Results from excess or inadequate nutrient intake. rates, and industry direction (J.E. Smith, 2013).
●​ May stem from food insecurity or non-food factors (inadequate ●​ Public perception varies by region (North America, Southeast Asia,
childcare, insufficient health services, unhealthy environment). etc.), influenced by:
Poverty: ○​ Economic affluence
●​ Lack of resources for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. ○​ Level of education
●​ Interconnection: Poverty → Low Productivity → Food Insecurity → ○​ Cultural, religious values and traditions
Hunger → Malnutrition → Poor Development (Physical & Cognitive). ○​ Social and institutional ways of participation
●​ Reducing mass poverty & starvation requires both economic growth
and nutrition-focused interventions. Historical Evolution of Biotechnology
●​ Biotechnology evolved as an artisan skill before becoming a science.
Food Security in the Philippines ●​ Examples of early microbial biotechnology applications:
●​ 2014: Philippines ranked 13th most populated country globally ○​ Beer production
(~107 million people). ○​ Wine fermentation
●​ 2014 GDP Growth: 6.1% (ranked 27th worldwide). ○​ Cheese & yogurt production
●​ Poverty Statistics: 24.9% or one is to four of Filipinos live below ○​ Fermented meats (salami, etc.)
the poverty line. ●​ Modern applications of genomics and proteomics include:
✔ Use of Genetically modified organisms for production of;
Hunger Profile biopharmaceuticals (insulin) and vaccines.
●​ Philippines' Global Hunger Index (GHI) score (2014): 13.1 ✔ Elucidation of the Molecular basis of many diseases
●​ Serious hunger problem ranking 29th globally. ✔ Sequencing of human pathogens for disease treatment
●​ Self-rated hunger increased from 8.3% to 18.3% in 15 years ✔ Gene therapy advancements for genetic diseases & cancer
(1999–2014). ✔ Rapid disease diagnosis using molecular techniques
(Biological & Immunological techniques)
Who Suffers Most? ✔ Nutrition improvement via genetic modification of food plants
✔ Children and Women: ✔ Development of biosensors, such as DNA probes for body
●​ Underweight prevalence: 20.7% (2003) → 20.2% (2011). metabolite monitoring
●​ Stunted growth: 33.6% of children under five (2011, ranked 9th
globally). Biotechnology and its Application
✔ Pregnant women & lactating mothers: A. Key Research Areas of Biotechnology
●​ 25% are nutritionally at risk. ●​ Providing the best catalyst (an improved organism, typically a
●​ 12% are underweight. microbe or pure enzyme).
●​ Creating optimal conditions for catalysts through engineering.
Factors Worsening Hunger ●​ Downstream processing technologies to purify proteins and organic
●​ Conflicts, extreme weather events, and disasters (affecting rural compounds.
& disaster-prone areas).
●​ Inflation: High food prices limit food access.
●​ Agricultural workers experience hunger due to low wages &
climate impact.

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B. Biotechnological Applications in Agriculture Philippine National Policy Statement on Modern Biotechnology

Three options for increasing food production: ●​ Issued on July 16, 2021, by former President Gloria
1.​ Agro-chemical-based agriculture Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA).
2.​ Organic agriculture ●​ articulates the government policy on promoting the safe and
3.​ Genetically engineered crop-based agriculture responsible use of modern biotechnology and its products as one of
the means to achieve food security, equal access to health services,
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – Plants, bacteria, fungi, and sustainable and safe environment, and industry development.
animals with altered genes. ●​ Policy goals:
●​ Genetic modification benefits: ✔ Achieve food security.
✔ Tolerance to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, heat, salt). ✔ Promote equal healthcare access.
✔ Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides. ✔ Maintain a sustainable environment.
✔ Lower post-harvest losses. ✔ Support industry development.
✔ Increased mineral utilization efficiency in plants. (Prevents early
exhaustion of fertility of soil) National Committee on the Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP)
✔ Enhanced nutritional value of crops (e.g., golden rice enriched ●​ Established in 1990 under Executive Order 430
with Vitamin A). ●​ Aims to formulate and amend national policy on biosafety and
formulate guidelines on the conduct of activities on genetic
C. Pest Resistance – Bt Toxin & Genetically Modified Crops engineering.
●​ Bt toxin (produced by Bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis) ●​ The Philippines is the first ASEAN country to initiate a
protects plants from pests. biotechnology regulatory agency.
✔ Bt toxin gene cloned into plants, creating natural pest
resistance. Competent National Authorities:
✔ Agrobacterium tumefaciens - soil bacterium that has the 1.​ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Science and
ability to infect plant cells and transfer a defined sequence of biosafety policies.
their DNA to the plant cell by infection and a causative agent of 2.​ Department of Agriculture (DA) – Agricultural development & food
crown gall disease. security.
●​ Bt Cotton (Bio-pesticide) 3.​ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) –
protects against insects like: Environmental assessments & sustainability.
●​ Lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm). 4.​ Department of Health (DOH) – Health impact assessments of
●​ Coleopterans (beetles). biotechnology.
●​ Dipterans (flies, mosquitoes). 5.​ Other departments & agencies regulate biotechnology use.
✔ RNA Interference (RNAi) in transgenic plants protects against
nematodes. Summary
●​ Biotechnology impacts agriculture, medicine, and industry.
Biotechnological Applications in Medicine ●​ Genetic engineering improves crop yield, resistance, and nutrition.
✔ Recombinant DNA technology revolutionized healthcare. ●​ Recombinant DNA technology enhances medical treatments.
✔ Examples of biotech-based medical advances: ●​ Transgenic animals aid in research, food production, and healthcare.
A.​ Genetically Engineered Insulin: Eli Lilly (1983) ●​ Philippine biotechnology policy ensures safe & responsible
●​ prepared two DNA sequences corresponding to A and B, chains development.
of human insulin and introduced them in plasmids of E. coli to
produce insulin chains. Glossary
●​ Chains A and B were produced separately, extracted and ●​ Bacteria: Microscopic single-celled organisms.
combined by creating disulfide bonds to form human insulin. ●​ Bioprocessing: Creating useful products via living organisms.
●​ Clone: Genetically identical organisms/cells.
B.​ Gene Therapy ●​ DNA & RNA: Nucleic acids crucial to heredity and cellular functions.
●​ Corrects genetic defects by inserting functional genes into ●​ Proteomics: Biotechnology field analyzing protein functions.
affected cells.
●​ First clinical gene therapy (1990):
✔ Treated a 4-year-old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA)
deficiency.
✔ ADA gene delivered to restore immune function.
✔ Other treatments:
✔ Bone marrow transplants.
✔ Enzyme replacement therapy (ADA injections).

C.​ Molecular Diagnosis

●​ Effective treatment of disease, Early disease detection using
(Serum and Urine Analysis)
●​ Techniques that serve the purpose of early diagnosis.
✔ Recombinant DNA technology
✔ Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
✔ Enzyme-Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA)

Transgenic Animals
●​ Genetically modified animals have integrated cloned (DNA)
sequences (transgenes).
●​ Applications of transgenic animals:
✔ Improved livestock breeds.
✔ Higher milk production.
✔ Organ production for transplantation.
✔ Disease research for new treatments.
✔ Example: Transgenic cattle produced via DNA transposons &
genome sequencing.