SOCIAL ISSUES IN INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY AND POLITICS

Exploring the Impact of IT on Societal Dynamics
INTRODUCTION
■ Throughout history, Humanity never leaned on digital tech as
much as it do today, and it's not slowing down. Everyone is
influenced—from how they talk, trade to how they run things.
The digital era is in full swing, and it's clear that IT solutions
are the backbone of our social scene.
SOCIAL MEDIA
USAGE
It is estimated that 71% of
The Philippine Population
or roughly 76Million are
active social media users
that spends an average of 4
hours and 12 mins of their
day browsing Apps like
Meta, X, YouTube, &
TikTok.
MANIPULAT During the 2022 Elections,
campaigns were Riddled by the

ION pervasive spread of fake news,

contributing to the electoral victory
of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.,
son of the former dictator Ferdinand
Marcos Sr.

The utilization of misinformation and

deceptive narratives played a key role in
shaping public opinion, raising concerns
about the impact of digital manipulation on
the democratic process.
THE DIVIDE
Social Media Algorithms tailors
contents on a user’s Feed based on
what they engage in, reacted to, or
search about. Creating an Echo
Chamber | Filter Bubble that show
users things that’s interests them
most of which are contents that
strongly supports their beliefs
further enriching their personal
Biases.
Governments Utilization of Digital
Platforms for Their Services
The Government uses the digital landscape to
offer their services. to reach more of their
constituents so that the public can enjoy the
Efficient and convenient Application.

Government Agencies that utilize digital systems

include:
• Land Transportation Office
• Philippine National Police
• National Bureau of Investigation
• Philippine Statistics Authority
• Bureau of Internal Revenue
• Department of Trade and Industry
• PAG-IBIG fund
• Phil Health
PRIVACY
CONCERNS
While the convenience afforded by the
digital landscape is undeniable, it
comes with its downsides. Privacy
concerns have emerged, particularly
regarding the data security of private
individuals. The ease of accessing and
sharing information in the digital
realm has raised important questions
about safeguarding personal privacy in
an era of rapid technological
advancement.
PRIVACY
CONCERNS
Concerns in the digital landscape
extend to matters of national security.
Hacking emerges as a critical issue,
especially with countries like China,
which has territorial disputes with the
Philippines. The potential for cyber
threats poses significant challenges,
highlighting the need for robust
cybersecurity measures to safeguard
not only personal data but also
national interests and security.
 ETHICAL
CONCERNS
Academics are sounding the alarm
about the proliferation of AI systems,
particularly Deepfakes, which have
the potential to disseminate false
information by manipulating the
image and likeness of reputable
individuals or sources.

This rising concern underscores the

need for increased awareness, ethical
guidelines, and robust
countermeasures to address the
potential misuse of advanced AI
technologies in spreading
misinformation and undermining trust
in credible sources.
ETHICAL
CONCERNS
Ethical concerns extend beyond the realm of
deepfakes and encompass the use of Artificial
Intelligence as a surveillance tool, mirroring
practices observed in China. The deployment
of AI software alongside CCTV systems for
monitoring citizens raises significant ethical
questions, particularly in instances such as the
surveillance of Uyghurs, who are reportedly
being sent to concentration camps. This raises
profound concerns about the misuse of
technology for mass surveillance and potential
human rights abuses, emphasizing the
importance of ethical considerations in the
development and deployment of AI systems.
 CONCLUSION
While technological advancements, especially in Artificial Intelligence, drive rapid societal development,
they present a double-edged sword capable of disrupting peace through malicious activities. It's crucial for
individuals to approach digital content critically, as the ability to manipulate information poses a significant
threat. Embedding critical thinking within the educational system is essential, particularly in teaching people
to discern fake news and deepfakes, especially during pivotal moments like elections or periods of conflict.
Awareness about data privacy, especially on social media, is paramount, emphasizing the need for
individuals to understand how and where their data is utilized.

Moreover, governing bodies bear a responsibility to prevent the misuse of technologies. Technology should
enhance lives, not facilitate control and manipulation. The public holds the ultimate power, as governments
derive their strength from the people's trust. It is essential for the public to be vigilant, ensuring that
technology serves the collective good and does not compromise individual freedoms or democratic
principles.