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ABSTRACT

Title: EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON POLITICAL

PARTICIPATION OF GRADE 12 STUDENTS OF MASBATE NATIONAL
COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL: A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

In an era dominated by social media, understanding how it affects political

participation is crucial, especially when it comes to grade 12 students that represent a

generation who are deeply connected with online platforms. A comprehensive study of

existing literature forms the backdrop, acknowledging the dual nature of social media as a

tool for both information dissemination and social connection. This research aims to

unravel the intricate dynamics between social media usage and political engagement,

recognizing the potential shifts in traditional forms of participation. Fifty (50) students

were selected from different strand as the sample for analysis following its objective

using probability sampling, specifically stratified and purposive sampling. The chosen

probability sampling was based on a descriptive research design. Through a method

approach that utilizes survey questionnaires, the researchers explored how social media

platforms serve as dynamic channels for political discourse and civic engagement,

surveys questionnaires allow for a broad understanding of social media habits and

political attitudes. These questionnaires were distributed among a sample of grade 12

students, aiming to capture data on their social media usage patterns and frequency of

political interactions.

While some students express increased political awareness and engagement

facilitated by online platforms, others cited that online platform such as; Facebook,

Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, etc. did not have a significant effect on raising their
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awareness and political engagement. As grade 12 students navigate the intersection of

social media and political participation, this research seeks to provide a comprehensive

understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play. By examining the gathered

quantitative data, this study aims to contribute valuable insights into the evolving

landscape of youth political engagement in the digital era. The results may pave the way

for informed interventions that harness the potential of social media while addressing its

challenges in fostering civic participation among the younger demographic.

Keywords: political participation, social connection, social media, online

platforms

1. What social media platforms do Grade 12 students commonly used for political

participation?

2. How often do respondents use social media for political participation?

3. What are the definite impacts of social media usage on the political participation

of Grade 12 students? And how evident are they?

4. To what extent does social media influence the political participation of Grade 12

students?

The researchers used descriptive design as an overall research design because it

aims to determine and evaluate the impacts of social media on political participation of

all the grade 12 senior high school students. The researchers used a combined method of
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stratified and quota as their sampling method because the researchers will divide the

population into smaller groups and find those students who are eligible to vote. The

respondents of the study were the students of the Masbate National Comprehensive High

School Annex Campus which has a population of 1468 students and 50 students were

selected, twenty-five (25) GAS students, ten (10) ABM students, ten (10) STEM

students, and lastly five (5) TVL students. The instruments that the researchers used were

the survey questionnaires to obtain facts and information about evaluating the impacts of

social media on political participation among grade 12 students.

Findings

The findings are as follows:

1. It show the distribution of social media platforms through survey questionnaire to the

50 surveyed students on what social media platforms that they are exposed to. Among

these respondents 24 students (48%) are exposed to Facebook while 7 students (14%)

for Instagram 7 students and (14%) for Twitter and 6 students (12%) for YouTube.

Lastly, 6 students (12%) for TikTok. In conclusion, the majority of the respondents

chose Facebook as their preferred platform to use for their political participation.

2. It shows how often respondents use of social media for political participation.

According to the respondents’ responses, 18 students (36%) sometimes use social media

for political participation. While, 13 students (26%) always use social media for

political participation, and 11 students (22 %) indicates that they rarely use social media

for political participation. Lastly, 8 students (16%) answered they never used social

media platform for political participation. In conclusion, majority of the respondents

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engage occasionally on using social media for political participation, while others rarely

or never use these platforms. Reflecting different approaches to online political

involvement among the surveyed students.

3. It highlights the impacts brought by social media on the opinions of the respondents

regarding politics. The respondents' feedback regarding the effects of social media on the

respondents' opinions about politics. Among the 50 students, the researchers surveyed, 16

students (32%) have stated that they have been made Moderately Aware through social

media. Meanwhile, 11 students (22%) stated that they were made Aware with the use of

social media, additionally, 9 students (18%) stated that social media helped them

become Slightly Aware. In contrast, 8 students (16%) have stated that social media has

made them Extremely Aware of the political scene. Finally, 6 students (12%) have

stated that they are Not Aware and have not been made aware through the use of social

media. In conclusion, the majority of the respondents found that social media has

influenced their awareness on politics.

4. It presents the impacts of social media on their political participation and how evident

they were. The most common way in which the respondents were impacted by social

media on their political participation was Increased Awareness, with a mean score of

1.52, Very Evident. The second most common way in which the respondents were

impacted by social media on their political participation was tied to both Information

source and Improved Perspectives in Politics, both with a mean score of 1.28, Very

Evident. The next most common way in which the respondents were impacted by social

media on their political participation was Political Engagement with a mean score of

1.12, Very Evident. Lastly, Voting Behavior was the least common way in which the
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respondents were impacted by social media on their political participation, with a mean

score of 0.88, Very Evident. To conclude, the general weighted mean 2.86, Slightly

Evident.’

5. It presents the types of political strategies considered in choosing a politician and how

important they were. Two of the most common types of political strategy considered in

choosing a politician are tied with that being Promoting Advocacies and Sharing

Platforms both with a mean score of 1.44, Very Important. The next common type is

House to House Campaign with a mean score of 1.28, Very Important. Following it up

is Promoting Campaigns with the Help of Artists, the fourth most common type of

political strategy considered in choosing a politician with a mean score of 1.12, Very

Important. Lastly, Campaign Ads were the least common type of political strategy

considered in choosing a politician, with a mean score of 0.84, Important. To conclude,

the general weighted mean is 2.78, Slightly Important.

Conclusions
1. We all know that among all social media platforms, Facebook is more common to the

students since they are most active on it and it has a wider coverage compare to other

social media platforms. Facebook mainly purpose is to entertain, interact with other

people and it also gives information. Most surveyed students that is eligible to vote chose

Facebook as their main source of information for them to be politically inclined since

most of our respondents uses Facebook in their daily life.

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2. The social media platform is frequently utilized for engaging in online political

activities and plays a significant role in discussions on various political topics. For the

surveyed students, it serves as an essential tool to express their opinions, share

information, and actively participate in shaping conversations around the various political

issues of our time.

3. Frequent exposure to political content on social media platforms such as; Facebook,

Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc. shows that there is a significant impact on an individual's

level of awareness regarding politics. With the majority of the respondents stating that

social media has helped them become more aware of matters that discuss political issues,

this implies that the majority of the respondents view\see content about politics regularly.

4. Social media's ability to reach large audiences, spread information quickly, and

encourage user engagement all contribute to its influence on political participation. Many

people now rely mostly on these platforms for news and information, which has an

impact on their political opinions, and beliefs. People can interact with diverse opinions,

participate in conversations, and stay up to date on current political matters by using

social media. These ongoing interactions and exposure to politics impact their attitudes

and behaviors toward politics as well as their political awareness and comprehension of

many problems. Its ability to organize and mobilize communities also contributes to the

platform's influence on political engagement, making it a key player in determining the

dynamics of modern politics.

5. The politician’s way in promoting their advocacies and sharing their platforms on

social media are two most common factors on why they appeal to the mass and thus

serves as ways on how they disseminate information about them. The statistics shows that
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for the respondents, these promoting advocacies and sharing their platforms are factors

that the people consider in choosing their politician and with the help of social media,

these two factors are elevated more thanks to quick dissemination it gives.

Recommendations
1. Respondents should be open to more than one social media platforms. They must

explore other platforms for them to get more reliable information for future.

2. The researchers recommend that the respondents should actively use social media for

political involvement to engage with wider audience and stay informed about perspective

in politics.

3 Respondents should follow trusted and reliable sources online in order to stay updated

with the current affairs of Philippine politics.

4. Provides an education about social media responsibility to spread reliability and

awareness. Be accountable in using social media platforms with these citizens can

enhance and promote credibility and fact checking in political engagement.

5. Respondents should be held responsible about their own actions and thus should be

more aware about the different methods politician are using to attract the respondents

instead of just the respondents choosing randomly. Since this is the digital age, the

respondents should be more aware about the different scams and tricks the politicians

used in attracting voters.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First and foremost, the researchers would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to

God Almighty for His grace, wisdom, and guidance throughout the research journey. The

researchers acknowledge His blessings and the strength He has provided, enabling them

to undertake this study.

The researchers also express their heartfelt thanks to their Practical Research

Adviser. Mrs. Sheena B. Ramirez, for providing exceptional guidance, expertise, and

unwavering support throughout the entire research process. Her insightful feedback and

valuable suggestions have significantly shaped the direction and quality of this study.

Additionally. the researchers would like to acknowledge the generous

participation of the senior high school students who willingly shared their experiences

and insights for this research. Their openness and willingness to engage in discussions on

gender stereotypes and career aspirations have been instrumental in providing valuable

data and perspectives.

Ultimately, the researchers extend their sincere gratitude to the school principal

and administrators who granted permission to conduct the research within their premises.

Also, the researchers are indebted to the educators who assisted in participant recruitment

and provided valuable insights and perspectives.

Lastly. The researchers would like to express their gratitude to their friends.

lovers, and family for their unwavering support, encouragement, and understanding

throughout the research process. Their belief in the researchers' abilities and constant
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motivation has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and reaching the completion

of this research.

To all those who have contributed to this research paper, the researchers extend

their deepest appreciation. Your support, expertise, and encouragement have been

invaluable in making this study possible.

Thank you all, and gratitude to God Almighty. for your contributions and for

being part of this research journey.

The Researchers:
Jose Victor B. Siong
John Markfel M. Zurbito
Hanz Phoeme G. Garcia
Rona Abrea S. Miranda
Sheana Marie R. Monacillo
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE .......................................... i
APPROVAL SHEET .......................................... ii
ABSTRACT .......................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT .......................................... xii
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................... xiv
LIST OF FIGURES .......................................... xvi
LIST OF TABLES .......................................... xvii

CHAPTER
I THE PROBLEM
Background of the Study .................................... 1
Statement of the Problem .................................... 4
Scope and Delimitation .................................... 5
Significance of the Study .................................... 6

II DISCUSSION OF REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Local & Foreign .................................... 8
Conceptual Framework .................................... 16
Theoretical Framework .................................... 18
Definition of Terms .................................... 22
References .................................... 23

III METHODOLOGY
Research Design .................................... 26
Sampling Mathod And
Respondents of the Study .................................... 27
Research Instrument and
Data Gathering Procedure .................................... 28
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Statisitcal Treatment of Data .................................. 29

Quantitative Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

IV DATA INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION

Part I. Socio-Demographic Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Part II. Survey Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

V SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

APPENDIXES
A Letter to the Respondents
B Sample Survey-Questionnaire
C Curriculum Vitae
D Documentation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Conceptual Paradigm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 2. Theoretical Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 3. Strand of the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Figure 4. Age of the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Figure 5. Social Media Platforms Used by the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Figure 6. The Frequent Use of Social Media Platforms in
Political Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Figure 8. Level of Awareness Among Grade 12 Students
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Regarding Politics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. The impacts of social media on their political participation . . . . . 37
Table 2. Types of political strategies considered in choosing
a politician and how important they were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38