ICT AS A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE

Summary

This video explores the transformative power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in society, highlighting its role in advocacy, development, and social change. It showcases historical examples from the Philippines, including the EDSA People Power Revolutions, the Million People March, and the Typhoon Yolanda People Finder, emphasizing how ICT and social media mobilize communities and spread awareness. The discussion also covers ICT for Development (ICT4D), digital citizenship, and the social power of social media, highlighting both its benefits and challenges. Practical learning activities and platforms like Change.org illustrate ICT’s impact on civic engagement, education, and humanitarian efforts, bridging the digital divide and fostering responsible digital participation.

Takeaways

• 😀 ICT is a powerful platform for change, mobilizing action, and spreading information globally.
• 😀 Advocacy through ICT helps people express and defend their rights, concerns, and views, making it an essential tool in democratic societies.
• 😀 The Philippines' recent history demonstrates how ICT supported major social movements, such as the People Power Revolution and the EDSA 2 Revolution.
• 😀 Social media has proven to be a key driver for social change and advocacy, such as the Million People March, which was largely organized through platforms like Facebook and Change.org.
• 😀 ICT for Development (ICT4D) aims to bridge the digital divide, providing equitable access to communication technologies to foster economic and social development.
• 😀 The development of digital citizenship involves not only internet usage but understanding and adhering to the framework of responsible digital behavior.
• 😀 Social media holds significant social power, promoting causes like social justice, bullying prevention, and disaster relief, while also enabling global engagement.
• 😀 Digital citizenship encompasses a wide range of elements, including digital access, communication, etiquette, rights, security, and health.
• 😀 The digital divide remains a critical challenge in the Philippines, with many Filipinos still lacking access to digital resources, which creates social and economic inequality.
• 😀 Change.org has revolutionized the petition process by allowing people globally to create, share, and sign petitions digitally, thereby helping to solve problems like human rights abuse and environmental concerns.

Q & A

What is ICT and how does it serve as a platform for change?

ICT, or Information and Communication Technology, is a medium that enables the spread, sharing, and access of information. It serves as a platform for change by mobilizing communities, supporting advocacy, and facilitating social, economic, and political development.

How does ICT help in advocacy and developmental communication?

ICT helps advocacy by raising awareness, enabling people to express and defend their rights, and promoting social concerns. In developmental communication, ICT provides communities with information to improve their lives and supports economic growth and human development.

Can you provide examples of ICT-driven social change in Philippine history?

Yes, notable examples include: the EDSA People Power Revolution (1983-1986), EDSA II (2001), the Million People March (2013), and the Yolanda People Finder during Typhoon Yolanda. These events used radio, social media, and online platforms to mobilize citizens and facilitate change.

What is ICT4D and what are its main focus areas?

ICT4D stands for ICT for Development, aimed at bridging the digital divide and promoting economic and social growth. Its main focus areas are: 1) Political/Government Empowerment, 2) Economic/Livelihood, 3) Social/Education, and 4) Infrastructure/Access.

What are the potential effects of social media on society?

Social media can promote social change, support social justice, enable disaster relief, prevent bullying, and engage citizens responsibly. However, it also has negative effects, such as fostering anonymity, self-centeredness, broken relationships, and child abuse.

Define digital citizenship and its importance in modern society.

Digital citizenship refers to the regular and effective use of the internet, including participating responsibly in online communities. It is important because it allows citizens to access government services, communicate globally, and engage in social and economic activities while upholding digital rights and responsibilities.

What is the digital divide and why is it a concern?

The digital divide is the gap between digital citizens (who have internet access and skills) and non-digital citizens (who lack access or knowledge). It is a concern because it can lead to social isolation, economic stagnation, and unequal opportunities in education and governance.

List and briefly describe the nine elements of digital citizenship.

The nine elements are: 1) Digital Access – availability of the internet, 2) Digital Commerce – online buying/selling, 3) Digital Communication – connecting globally, 4) Digital Literacy – learning and sharing technology skills, 5) Digital Etiquette – responsible online behavior, 6) Digital Law – legal and ethical conduct, 7) Digital Rights & Responsibility – privacy and ethical use, 8) Digital Health & Wellness – avoiding physical and mental strain, 9) Digital Security – protecting information and identity online.

How has internet access evolved in the Philippines?

Internet access in the Philippines began in August 1986 with the first public BBS system. Since then, it has grown significantly, with approximately 44.5 million users (43.5% of the population). Social media use is widespread, and many government services are now available online.

What role does Change.org play in social advocacy?

Change.org allows anyone to create online petitions, gather digital signatures, and mobilize support for social, economic, environmental, and human rights issues. It expands advocacy by making petitions accessible to global communities.

Explain the three phases of social media as mentioned in the transcript.

The three phases are: 1) Good – used for communication and connecting people regardless of distance, 2) Bad – allows anonymity and overuse, potentially taking control over users’ lives, 3) Ugly – can cause broken relationships, self-centeredness, child abuse, and other negative social impacts.