The Two Faces of the Internet: Light vs Dark

The Utopian Lens

Through rose-colored Glasses

Core Idea of Utopian Lens

The Internet will create a perfect, happy, and connected global society.

Utopian lens is the driver of innovation

It imagines the best-case scenario

Example of Utopian Lens

Free video calls with family abroad, access to all the world’s knowledge on Google, online learning platforms

The Dystopian Lens

Dark and Foggy Lens

Core Idea of Dystopian Lens

The Internet will lead to a controlled, fearful, and dehumanized world

Dystopian Lens focus on fear

Worries about job loss to AI, loss of privacy, and technology spinning out of contr

Example of Dystopian Lens

Spread of fake news during elections, cyberlbullying, scams

Data Smog

Information Overload

Definition of Data Smog

The overwhelming feeling you get from the non-stop flood of

emails, notifications, news, and social media posts

Media Acceleration

The incredible speed at which information and trends now spread online.

Good effect of Media Acceleration

Creates a sense of community and direct connection with celebrities.

Bad Effect of Media Acceleration

Leads to impulsive, controversial posts that can ruin careers. It also puts traditional media (newspapers, TV news) out of business.

Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD)

A real behavior addiction, where you lose control over your internet se

Types of Internet Addiction Disorder

• Gaming

• Social Networking

• Net Compulsions

Gaming addiction

Can't stop playing mobile games

Social Networking addiction

Constantly checking social media accounts and feeling anxious if you cant

Net compulsios addiction

Compulsive online shopping or stock trading

Real life effects of internet Addiction disorder

Bad grades, losing a job, fighting with family, health problems like back pain and eye strain, social isolation

Selective Exposure Theory

Our natural habit of only listening to people and news sources that we aalready agree with

Political Polarization

When a society splits into two extreme, opposing groups

that can't agree on anything and can't find a middle ground.

What does the dark side preys on

A lack of digital literacy and critica thinking

What is the solution for a lack of digital literacy and critical thinking

Actively develop skilss to question and evaluate online information

SIFT method for evaluating information

Stop

Investigate the source

Find better coverage

Trace claims to the original context

Interpersonal Communication

The foundation of human connection sharing thoughts, ideas and emotions

Internet’s Revolutionary Impact

It has obliterated the barriers of time and distance

Pros of Internet Communication

Convenient, reach a huge audience, creates a written record

Cons of Internet Communication

Reduced social presence, text message can easily be misunderstood

Network

The basic building block. It's just a group of connected

devices (your phone, laptop) that can share information

Community in the Digital Age

Online groups of people with shared interests, goals, or

identities.

CTC

Community Technology Centers

The goal of the CTC

Is to bridge the digital divide

Digital Divide

the gap between those who have access to computers/the Internet and those who don't.

Role of CTC

They are public facilities (often in libraries or community centers) that provide free or cheap computer and internet access, and training, for people who can't afford it at home.

Social Capital

It's the value you get from your social networks—the trust,

reciprocity, and cooperation between people

The internet role in building social capital

• Bonds

• Bridges

• Linkages

Bonds

Strong ties with close friends and family (e.g., a private

family WhatsApp group)

Bridges

Weak ties with acquaintances (e.g., an old classmate

on Facebook who tells you about a job opening).

Linkages

Connections to people in power

Civic Engagament

Any action you take to make a difference in your

community.

Internet-Powered Participation

It has created a new, low-cost, high-impact platform for getting involved

Types of Internet- Powered Participation

• Advocacy

• Community Research

• Philanthropy

Advocacy

Signing an online petition to save a local forest

Community Research

Using Google maps and online surveys to identify problems in your barangay

Philanthropy

Donating to a fundraiser for disaster victims via GCash

Philippine examples of Civic Engagement

• Philippine Red Cross

• Gawad Kalinga

• Greenpeace Philippines

Phil Red cross

For disaster updates and donate blood or money

Greenpeace Philippines

Use social media to rally people for environmental campaigns