RAMOS, Ezekiel B.

BPEA-2A

TCW

Explain the relations between mobile phones being the pre-social media and democracy.
Explain your answer and cite the page from the study where you based your answer.

- In this generation, almost every one of us has a mobile phone. It is used for communication
purposes, for work, navigation, and tons of more accessible features. In addition, it is also a tool
to access different social media platforms that connect us to the mobile ecosystem. Having its
power to connect people, social media (using our mobile phones) is used to advertise, inform,
and bring news to everyone. As referred to in the readings we discussed (Pg. 1, Introduction) it
serves as a huge factor for democratization. Way back in the early 2000s, Estrada was
impeached because of a text message that circulated to many mobile numbers that everyone
should meet in EDSA and protest against Estrada. It is a strong example of how mobile phones
are a powerful and huge factor for democratization. We have our right to speak up, stand for the
truth, and connect to other people who have the same intention.

In terms of it as a determinant of socio-economic status, in the case of Europe how its different
from Asia Pacific and the US? Explain your answer and cite the page from the study where you
based your answer.

- As per the reading material, (Pg. 72, Evidence between linking Social Media and
Democratization), it is evident in the Asia Pacific and the US that technology is more often
adopted by those with higher socio-economic statuses. "They agree that this assumption can be
made by looking at the Asian Pacific and the United States". On the contrary, when we look into
Europe, we notice that it is not an important predictor of cell phone adoption. "Europe was at 70
percent as of 2004 and even up to 90 percent in some countries. This, however, is not relevant
in countries where the technological penetration rate is significantly lower than that of European
countries. In these countries, socioeconomic status remains a significant factor in whether or not
a person will own or operate a mobile phone. "

In the Philippines how will you characterize the use of mobile phones in ousting President
Estrada? Explain in your own words.

- During that time, it was an amazing and bright move for our fellow Filipinos. They utilized the
use of mobile phones to unify and have the "People Power II". It symbolizes the power of the
people to impeach a President. Not only the House of Representatives, Senate, judges, and
different government agencies. We have the authority and democracy to oust anyone who
mishandled our money/funds, or committed graft and corruption. Imagine, it was only a simple
text message but it unified the nation.