COMMUNICATION PATTERNS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA OF …...APPROVAL SHEET COMMUNICATION PATTERNS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA OF SELECTED FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY MASS COMMUNICATION STUDENTS DISTANT

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COMMUNICATION PATTERNS THROUGH

SOCIAL MEDIA OF SELECTED FAR EASTERN

UNIVERSITY MASS COMMUNICATION

STUDENTS DISTANT WITH THEIR FAMILIES

KARL ALLAN CORPUZ

CLARISSE MHEI DAMMAY

JONINE CHLOE DELA CRUZ

FRETZIE FALCO

JEFFREY REYES

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION

Far Eastern University

N.Reyes Sr. St., Sampaloc, Manila

March 2015

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APPROVAL SHEET

COMMUNICATION PATTERNS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

OF SELECTED FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY MASS

COMMUNICATION STUDENTS DISTANT WITH THEIR

FAMILIES

By

CORPUZ, KARL ALLAN

DAMMAY, CLARISSE MHEI

DELA CRUZ, JONINE CHLOE

FALCO, FRETZIE

REYES, JEFFREY

has been accepted, in partial fulfillment of the requirements, for the degree of

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MASS COMMUNICATION

by

MIGUEL LIMON

Thesis Adviser

CHRISSY USTARIS RODERICK BARTOLOME KRISTOFFER BRUGADA

Panelist

MIGUEL LIMON

Research Faculty

And approved for the

Far Eastern University Department of Communication

by

BABSIE M. MORABE

Program Head

_____________________

Date

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First of all we would like to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for seeing us through

from the beginning till the end of our thesis. Without Him, we would not have been

able to carry out this very challenging endeavor.

Secondly, our sincerest gratitude to our Thesis Adviser and Research Faculty,

Prof. Mike Limon, for his patience, kindness, encouragement and continual help and

advice.

We would also like to thank our families namely Corpuz Family, Dela Cruz

Family, Dammay Family, Falco Family, Reyes Family for helping and serving us as our

inspiration while doing this study. We are also extending our sincerest thanks to our

Department of Communication and to the Mass Communication students who have

participated in our research undertaking. And to our thesis defense panelists, Prof.

Roderick Bartolome, Prof. Kristoffer Brugada, Prof. Chrissy Ustaris.

The Researchers

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ABSTRACT

Corpuz, K., Dammay, C., Dela Cruz, J., Falco, F. and Reyes, J. (2014). Communication

Patterns Through Social Media of Selected FEU Mass Communication Students Distant with

their Families. Unpublished undergraduate thesis, Department of Communication, Far

Eastern University, Manila.

Communication means sending of messages from one person to another. It could

be in several forms such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and mass

communication. Each communication may vary depending on the pattern of their

exchange of message.

This thesis looks into the different communication patterns used by the students

who are away from their family with the help of social media sites (SMS) that they have

chosen. The researchers conducted a content analysis regarding on the effects of the

social media that they use in their communication patterns and also the effectiveness of

the SMS that they used as the mean of communication. The frequency of their

communication depends on the emergence of the discussion as well as the relationship

of the student to the family member they are communicating with. The researchers also

surveyed fifty (50) respondents which are selected Far Eastern University Mass

Communication students who are away with their family by the reason of studying in

Manila. Using Media Dependency Theory, results revealed that students who are away

with their family depend on the social media that they use in communicating with their

distant family to discuss their personal concerns and to be updated with their relative.

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Title Page

Approval Sheet

Acknowledgment

Abstract

Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Objectives

Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitations

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

STUDY FRAMEWORK

Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework

Operational Framework

Definition of Terms

STUDY DESIGN

Methods and Sampling

Units of Analysis

Instruments

Data Analysis

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

RESEARCHER’S PROFILE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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LIST OF TABLES

Title

Page

Table 1 Frequency of Communication 35

Table 2 Choice of Family Member 36

Table 3 Topics of the Conversation 37

Table 4 Choice of social media

38

Table 5 Advantage of the Social Media Site 38

Table 6 Advantage of Social Media Site Chosen Compared to Others 39

Table 7.1 Openness through Social Media

40

Table 7.2 Openness through Social Media 40

Table 8 Advantages of Communicating Through Social Media 41

Table 9 Disadvantages of Communicating Through Social Media 42

Table 10

Recommendations of the Respondents to the Social Media Site

they Use

43

Table 11 Satisfaction for the Social Media Site 44

Table 12 Effectiveness of the Chosen Social Media site 45

Table 13

Effectiveness of Chatting Through Social Media in Terms of

Emotions

45

Table 14 Suggestions of the Respondents 46

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LIST OF FIGURES

Number Title Page

1 Theoretical Framework 27

2 Conceptual Framework 28

3 Operational Framework 29

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION S.Y. 2014-2015

Communication Patterns through Social Media of Selected Far Eastern University

Mass Communication Student Distant with their Families

Corpuz, Dammay, Dela Cruz, Falco, Reyes

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Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, student who are about to enter college choose universities in Manila

to take up their chosen degree. Being away with their family cause them to have

difficulties to stay intact, sustain the closeness with each member of the family and to

communicate when in times of need. The way of communication is already modernized

by the use of social media sites. However, internet-based communication may be

difficult because of lack of either verbal or non-visual clues.

The researchers are conducting a study that involves students who are using

social media as a medium to communicate with their families in provinces. The

researchers believe that the communication pattern varies based on the distance and

availability of the new technology to their places.

Technology is offering a whole host of brand new ways to bring families closer

together for happier relationship (Dunn, 2014). It deals that some technology can

encourage stronger emotional connections within family’s connection within families.

If they are in the province they don’t have to rack up gigantic phone bills or loads.

They can just connect via Skype, FaceTime, ooVoo, Facebook, Twitter, Viber, WeChat,

or any social media sites.





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People switched to simpler communication services. In general, online relationships

contain much weaker ties than face-to-face relationships. Social networking sites is a

tool for person to keep in touch with his distant friends by following their updates,

sending a message or posting comments – users have a quick and easy way to stay

connected thus keep the relationship healthy when they are too busy to commit more

time to face-to-face interaction (Vitak, 2008).

Social Media are very useful for communication and to remain in contact with

their relatives even though they are far from their parents. Social Media allow them to

communicate with their families for free use of these mediums. It increases their social

interaction and gives them more ways to make social connections. How? By not seeing

their relatives, Social Media sites offering brand new ways to bring them closer.

Face-booking, tweeting and texting are not only the prevalent but also the

preferred forms of communication for many college students and young adults today.

Social media interaction now dominates both online and offline conversations. In a

society where interacting and over-sharing online is the norm, you’re probably more

likely to speak to friends and family through electronic devices than face-to-face.

Social Media gives the distant students the opportunity to maintain relationships

with their family, regardless of distance. Beyond social media’s role in dating, they can

now stay in touch with their family through sites like Facebook, Twitter, Skype,

WeChat, and etc. This is to keep them updated to who’s getting engaged, having

children, etc. Parents are able to keep in close contact with their children who are going

away to a university so they can stay connected and be a part of each other’s lives.





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Statement of the Problem

This research aims to answer the following problem:

How do social media affect the communication patterns of distant Far Eastern

University students with their families?

Objectives

To determine the communication patterns of distant FEU students – respondents

with their families, in terms of the following:

- Frequency

- Choice of member of the family they are communicating with

- Topics of conversation

- Choice of social media

- Nature of communication

To find out how social media affect the communication patterns of FEU distant

students respondents with their families.

To identify the level of effectiveness of social media in communicating with their

families as perceived by distant FEU students – respondents

To know how satisfied is the FEU students – respondents with the social media

site they are usually using.

To identify strengths and weaknesses of social media sites used by FEU distant –





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respondents in communicating with their families

To solicit suggestions on how to improve communication using social media

involving distant FEU students

Significance of the Study

The study focuses on identifying the most effective medium in social media

between the distant Far Eastern University Mas Communication students and their

families to be able to communicate despite of long distance. Moreover, the results of

the study will be beneficial to the following:

Upcoming FEU students. The upcoming respondents will have awareness on the

most effective and most accessible site for them to communicate with their families

when they start taking up college and be far from their families.

Upcoming family of the respondents. The result of the study will help the

upcoming family of the upcoming FEU students – respondents to know what site

they will use to communicate with their son/daughter who are studying in FEU

Manila.

Media Studies. The result of the study will also be beneficial to some scholarly

researches about the most effective medium or social media site in improving the

student-family relationship despite of long distance.

The researchers. The researchers who will make this study will learn more about the

help of different mediums to the long distance student-family relationship.

The faculty. The result of this study will help teachers to have a deeper





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understanding and will also help as their reference for their future students.

Scope and Limitations

The study focuses on the communication patterns established between distant

FEU Mass Communication students and their family, basically living in the province

or outside Metro Manila. The respondents of the study are composed of FEU Mass

Communication Students only.

The researchers considered working on this study to find out the most effective

medium of communication of FEU Mass Communication students between their

families from the province. Also, to assess the effectiveness of the said medium to

improve the relationship of students between their families despite of long distance.

Also, the researchers no longer focused on the parents working abroad and the

view of the distant family in regards on how they perceived communicating through

social media sites.

This study no longer discussed about how the communication patterns

evolved from generation to generation, as well as the features of the social media

sites discussed.





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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Having relatives who went to college had a lot of changes in the family. The

relationship of the college-aged students changed as their independence grew. They

began to interact with their emerged adult self. For many students, this was the first

time they have lived apart from their families.

Communication could be difficult for a family that was in the state of a long

distance relationship. Keeping strong family-ties was a problem because of the space

between the college student and relatives. Having someone far from you especially

when you needed emotional support from them could be tough.

This Chapter was composed of related literature and studies which contained

facts and information on the research problem at hand. It also provided explanations

and logical connections between previous researches and the present work.

On our Perception on Internet-based Communication

According to the study of Asilo et.al (2010), ‚Social Networking Sites (SNS) were

increasingly popular nowadays. Many SNS developers like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter

and others were competing to give the best features in terms of socialization,

interaction, privacy and even entertainment.‛ The researchers knew that people

nowadays were really hooked with this internet-based communication which was very

easy to use because of its free access and handy usage since they could use them

through mobile phones.

Hence, from these discussions, the effectiveness of the SNS to the interpersonal





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communication was questioned. Both parents and children viewed modern social

media as having both positive and negative consequences, and largely maintained that

face-to-face communication was more desirable than communicating through social

media. This study examined social media and parent-child communication in the

context of Instructional-Affective Communication. (Rose, 2011)

Communicating together involved a two-way sharing of information and helped

develop a common understanding, which mean parents, careers and staffs have an

easier support to one another. Effective communication also helped families and staff

built a trusting partnership and developed honest and respectful relationships. When

families and staff have a genuine interest in one another, people are able to be open

about their thoughts and feelings. Effective communication of families allowed early

childhood staff to understand what has happened at home or how they liked their

children’s behaviour managed in the service. Moreover, effective communication of

staff abled parents to understand what has happened in their child’s day and how they

progressed at the service. Shared information from families and staff awoke everyone

regarding children’s strengths and challenges and worked together to support

children’s social and emotional wellbeing. (http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/)

People walked through this world with their heads down. Immersed in the

technological realm, individuals disregarded the real. They conversed with their hands

rather than their mouths, tapping keyboards and touchpads based on the rhythm of

their thoughts. This was the way people communicated in the 21st century. In the last

decade, advances in information technologies have substantially altered the way

humans interact. Between email, texting, social networking, instant messaging, and

Skype, people now have the resources that made it possible to spend days or months

without coming face-to-face with another person, yet still remained connected with the

world. From 1995 to the present, the number of Internet users worldwide rose from 16





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million to 2280 million as of March of 2012, which was 32.7% of the world’s total

population (Internet World Stats, 2012). Today, 77% of teens have cellular phones

wherein only 39% made daily phone calls, whereas 63% made daily text messages.

(Dokoupil, 2012)

Communication through Social Media

Use of these new methods of communication, as traditional voice-based methods

which have diminished, has reduced communication to as few textual characters as

possible. Many researchers and individuals were thankful for these innovations, that

they promoted relationship building and maintenance and allowed individuals to

communicate while standing at opposite ends of the world.(Kavanaugh, Carroll,

Rosson, Zin, & Reese 2005)

New technologies made many easier and faster interactions, and enabled people

with social anxiety to communicate with others in a more comfortable social

environment. Therefore, it was no surprise that research has found 20% individuals

preferred online communication or texting to in-person communication. (Thompson,

2012)

Multiple determinants of life quality: the roles of Internet activities, use of new

media, social support, and leisure activities

The quest for quality of life (QoL) was a growing concern for individuals and

communities who seek to find sustainable life satisfaction in a technologically changing

world. Industry, consumer groups, academics, and policy makers sought to better

understand how the Internet contributed to or detracted from society. This study

examined the effects of Internet activities, new media use, social support, and leisure

activities on perceived quality of life. Correlational results showed that Internet





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activities, such as using the Internet for sociability, fun seeking and information

seeking, and new media use, correlated positively with various dimensions of social

support. However, use of the Internet, especially for sociability, and computer use were

inversely linked to QoL. (Leung,2013)

Furthermore, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that affectionate, positive

social interaction, and emotional and informational social support, received from either

online or offline sources, were the strongest determinants of quality of life. More

important, QoLwas enhanced in suitable amounts of time that were spent on media-

related activities, namely, less time on using the Internet for intimate self-disclosure and

in playing computer games, and more time on listening to music on CD/MD/MP3.

Finally, participation in community or religious activities for leisure was also a

significant predictor of QoL. Implications regarding policy formulation to improve life

quality were discussed. (Lee, 2012) (http://www.sciencedirect.com/)

Use of social media by college students: Relationship to communication and self-

concept

The purpose of this study was to examine social media use among college

students and how it affected communication with others, and college students' self-

concept. In this study, students completed a questionnaire which assessed personal use

of social media, communication skills with friends and family, and effects on self-

concept. Results indicated that all of the sampled college students were using at least

one form of social networking website. There was a .586 Pearson correlation between

usage of social media and communication with family and friends. There was a .658

Pearson correlation between usage social media and self-concept. These findings

provided implications for future research on why these social networking sites have





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gained popularity.

The findings of this study suggested that almost all college students were using

some form of social networking website. This was significant since Lenhart et al. (2010)

found that 71% of young adults have a Facebook account. The current study indicated

that Facebook and e-mail were the social network websites of choice, with 99% of

college students using Facebook and 90% using e-mail. These findings concurred with

research by Lenhart et al. (2010) which found that Facebook was the most popular form

of social media. (http://www.aabri.com/manuscripts/121214.pdf)

Perceived Communication Skills via Social Networks

There were many reasons for young adults to join social networking websites as

they tried communications within their social system. The principal reason reported

was the maintenance of relationships with existing acquaintances that were already part

of their social network (Sheldon, 2008). Although there were exceptions, most social

network site users primarily interacted on these sites to support pre-existing social

relations, as opposed to meeting new people (Boyd & Ellison, 2007). Another study

found that Facebook and instant message were not used to meet new people, just to

maintain existing social ties (Quan-Haase et al., 2010). Passing time and entertainment

were other major factors in using social media sites (Sheldon, 2008).

Social media websites allowed users to keep in touch with family and friends in a

fairly easy and convenient way (Quan-Haase et al., 2010). Although students

communicated with friends and family by posting information, they spent much of the

time viewing information without interacting in any way.

Social media fulfilled different communication needs for different users.





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Interactions via computer facilitated communication by the tolerance of users keep in

touch with family and friends in a convenient way, learned about social events, and

found out about activities of other users. The gratification received from this social

information helped users feel that they were a part of peer network who knew what

was going on about events and activities (Quan-Haaseet al., 2010).

Immediate communication benefits of Facebook users were seen for individuals

reported various levels of shyness. Shyness caused individuals to avoid social, face-to-

face interaction altogether, that led persons accept less communication and less social

support.

In a study looking at the association between online social media and friendship

quality of shy individuals, results indicated that online social networks provided a

comfortable environment in which shy individuals could interact with others (Baker &

Oswald, 2010).

Data has shown that individuals who used Facebook for communication had

better quality friendships. Using social media sites helped improve the quality of

relationships between users. Some reasons for improving quality of relationships

through using Facebook included: it was easier to get to know others better without

having face-to-face conversation, users felt more comfortable, and users spent more

time communicating over the computer so they gained more social support (Baker &

Oswald, 2010).

Further, ‚social grooming‛ was an aspect of social networking that has received

attention in a comparison of users and non-users of social media sites. Social grooming

included expressive activities of social interaction, communication, gossip, and

entertainment. Users have expressed enjoyment from keeping track of their friends’

lives and activities, but non-users were less interested in these activities (Tufekci, 2008).





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This social interaction of users may make it easier to communicate with others by

keeping in touch with friends and family on a regular basis more often than non-users.

Perceived communication was reported as being more satisfying in same-sex

relationships rather than in cross-sex relationships (Baym et al., 2007). This was true for

both woman-to-woman and man-to-man interactions. It is also not surprising that

communication relationships were more satisfying with friends and family rather than

with mere acquaintances (Baym et al., 2007).

Parenting through Facebook

The concept of internet as a ground-breaking communication tool is not new

anymore as it has been given emphasis by a number researchers and communication

scholars in the past. Internet is an innovative forum for the exchange of information and

ideas as described by Burgstahler (1997). It unites people into a sole global community.

Classification of websites in the internet developed into many forms over the years.

Social networking sites are widely used by internet users for it provides an avenue for

self expression.

According to Boyd and Ellison (2007) these sites are web-based services that

allow individual to construct public or semi-public profile within a bounded system.

Social networking sites allow users to view other users connected to them and the

list of other members of the system.Constant communication is necessary for lowering

the levels of emotional disturbances such as anxiety and loneliness as mentioned by

the study of Parrenas (2002). Thus, it can be inferred that communication through

various mediums can contribute to the wellness and minimize stress of OFW

children.





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The availability of communication tools proved to be convenient to families

where in parents are migrant workers. More recently, it has been ascertained that new

communication tools help maintain healthy relationships both social and within the

family. Aguila’s study (2006) confirmed that long distance relationships can be

maintained through computer mediated communication. With the increasing

development in computer technology and internet OFW families now prefer new media

in communicating. In the Philippines, although internet usage is still not as big

compared to television and radio, the audience for the new media is increasing fast.

Social networking sites are of a great popularity in the Philippines. In fact, the country

has been tagged as the “Social networking capital of the world” as revealed by the study

conducted by Universal McCann entitled “Power to the People – Wave 3” in 2008. This

implies that Filipinos are now becoming aware of the functions of social networking

sites especially as a communication tool. Internet is especially useful for Overseas

Filipino Workers with children and family left in the Philippines.

It is one of the primary tools in connecting people across the world.

Originally, Facebook started as student directory in Harvard University in year 2004,

but when it became a hit in Harvard, it spread largely throughout the world. The

greatest utility of social networking sites (Bryant and Marmo as cited by Walther and

Ramirez, 2009) has yet to be explored. These systems provide a dramatically new way

to enact relational maintenance.





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Through the years, Facebook developers have been adding new features to

improve their services for their users, and one of the newest features of Facebook is

Facebook Video Chat which is done in partnership with Skype. In the article by Jerry

Liao in www.mb.com last July 17, 2010, video chatting is not something new because in

Yahoo Messenger, Gmail, and Skype, this kind of chatting is already possible. Liao also

added that the positive usage of video chatting is that people can talk in more personal

manner, business discussion can be done also, and physicians can now see their patients

in simple conversation.

Facebook video chatting provides the people a “package deal” because this social

networking site gives the users’ need in one easy access unlike in other social

networking sites people cannot do chatting, video chatting, status viewing at the same

time only Facebook can provide it.

Some studies have concluded that it can lead as a source of relationship

problem. In the article by David Gardner in dailymail.co.uk last December 2, 2010, that

in the present time, one out of five divorces happened in United States of America that

the social networking site, Facebook was involved according to the American Academy

of Matrimonial Lawyers. Most divorce lawyers in America also reported that number of

cases use social media for the evidence of cheating but despite issues and criticisms,

Facebook remains the number one social networking site in the Philippines and in

many other countries because it is said to pave way for creating lasting and well-

maintained relationships despite the distance.





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In relationship maintenance, the role of technology played a major part in this

situation specifically Internet. Beebe et al. (2007) stated that e-mails, instant messaging,

and online chatting are more economical ways to maintain relationships than carrying

on long-distance telephone service or traveling to be together. They also added that

online communication is much faster and more immediate, in that you can transmit

what you’re thinking and get a rapid response. According to Multi-User Dimensions

(MUD), these virtual communities can be as just supportive and sustaining as any in-

person community established on campus or in a neighborhood. So, in a sense,

technology has brought us closer together as a nation and a world, because we can

communicate quickly and regularly, an economically across great distances. They

concluded that as a communication channel, e-mail, is better for some relationships

than others. It is a great way to communicate information, check perceptions, and stay

in touch with busy colleagues and friends, both near and far. But close or intimate

relationship, family relationships, friendships, and romantic relationships, typically

require more than just e-mail to maintain closeness. E-mail is also better for some topics

than others. In close relationships, e-mail tends to work best for quick updates or brief

expressions of affection and to make plansand share ideas.

Vanessa Van Petten wrote in her article that there are three useful parenting tools

in Facebook. People should know that Facebook is not only for teenagers, but the

adults can use it too especially in parenting. First is the Status Updates where the

parents don’t need to constantly ask their children where they are going. The parents

can easily see it in their updates, and Facebook has a special feature where users can tag

their friends in their status, so the parents will see also who the company of your

children with. Second is Photos because profile picture or simply other photos say





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something about their children. Third is Profile where in this feature the parents can see

the child’s status update, their friends list, and the wall posts. Once, the parents see the

child’s profile, the parents can find out anything about their child, and the parents can

access their child’s friend profile, and that alone can is a lot of information to anyone.

(www.radicalparenting.com).

In fact, Kim Daugherty said in her article in associatedcontent.com, parenting

tools evolve too with the technology surrounding the modern environment. Parents can

also adapt to the trend of their children which can really help them with their children’s

need. This new way of parenting can really help busy parents to reach their children

especially if they are having a hard time getting along with them. In the article made by

Karl Forehand in suite101.com entitled, Benefits of Social Networking in Parenting

(January 26, 2010), there are three things that parents can get from social networking

sites. One is social networks use to encourage. In his direct statement, “Facebook, and

other social networking sites, provide a lunch box to instantly “post” thoughts that we

have about our friends and family. We can either display an “I am proud of you”

message for all their friends to see or a private “you do this really well” encouragement

that doesn’t embarrass them publicly.” Second is social networks can be used to

monitor. Forehand (2010) stated: We can see their conversations and interactions; but if

we do not respond to everything they post, it most likely doesn’t feel as much like

stalking after the first day. We still have to use discernment about what to say, how

much to poke around and when to simply just observe. But, how they respond to others

and even what they do not say helps us in so many ways be a better parent. Ever ask a

teenager what he is thinking and get a one-word answer? We get much more than that

from Facebook.





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Last in Karl Forehand’s article is that social networks can be used to share gifts

where gifts and talents can be displayed immediately through these social networking

sites. He stated: I can observe not just their physical talents, but also their soft skills of

interacting with people. I can see how they encourage others and how they interact

even with those they disagree. I can notice how they handle rejection and praise and

approval from others and, hopefully, guide them gently lest they fall. In relation to Karl

Forehand’s article of Benefits of Social Networking, there is another factor that can be

added to the benefits of social networking sites. From the site, adventuresinparents.org

with the article Parents on Facebook published last October 3, 2008, they stated that

every parent should join all the trending social networking sites that mostly hanged out

by their kids on the computer. Mainly because parents might find some conversation

starters for their kids especially if the parents are having hard time talking with their

kids, but if the parents learn to understand their computer language, it will start

opening up new communication channel.

With all these new communication methods used by the children, it became a

possible hindrance to the relationship of the parents between their children, but

adapting to children’s’ generation might help to understand them better. In the article

by Marsali Hancock in protectme.webroot.com, she said: Facebook is an arena intended

for the older set. Younger children are not developmentally ready to navigate the

scrutiny and politics that often take place in this social space. Teens and adults prove to

have a hard enough time with it themselves, as evidenced by the daily news. That

doesn’t mean parents should wait to introduce their boys and girls to the concept of

digital citizenship. Instead, they should carefully choose online environments that are

specifically created with tweens in mind. Parenting is no easy job especially this 21st





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century with all the technologies affecting their mental growth and interpersonal

relationship. But with these technologies, it provided a new way of relationship

maintenance to all users of it. Also, it is very important for the researchers to find a link

between parenting and communication technologies such as Facebook in order for them

to well establish and explain the results of this study.

OFW Parenting and Family Communication

Overseas Filipino Workers are said to be heroes because they are a big help in the

country’s economic prosperity but their social and family relationships are being

compromised. While more and more Filipinos are going abroad, more and more

children are being left behind and carry the burden of being independent at their young

age. Also, when non-OFW children compare their family and personal relationship with

OFW families and children, they tend to view the latter in more problematic terms.

This scenario reinforces what Asis (1995) observed as the consequences of migration.

Besides social consequences, parenting is a more concerning issue for parents abroad

and their children left in the Philippines. It is undeniable that labor migration gives high

economic benefits. Similarly, OFW families are the primary recipients of such benefits.

A recent study by Asis (2006) showed that OFW remittances improved the quality of

life of the migrant and their families. Also, the study revealed that aside from getting

better income and job opportunities in other countries, OFW parents went abroad so

that their children will have better educational chances. Also, the decreasing economic

status of the country is also a cause of huge rate of labor migration.

In the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics Updates, it is stated that:

Family expenditures in the country and most of its regions grew much faster than





19

income. Large increase in family expenditures during the 2003-2006 periods was

observed in Regions IX (32.0%), X (28.6%), and Caraga (28.2%). In the succeeding period

(2006-2009), increase in family expenditures was much more prominent in Regions XII

(37.5%), ARMM (30.7%), and IV-B (30.1%). Then, during the administration of the late

President Ferdinand Marcos the Philippines was in great debt because Marcos tried to

make the Philippines, a third world country, to look like first world. He made the

country build numerous buildings throughout the city. The country borrowed money

from different international banks, thus bringing the country a very huge debt.

In 1970, the period where the Philippines was clenched by severe

unemployment, the third wave came in the structure of contract labor. Before Martial

law was declared, there was the Immigration Act of 1965 which gave an opportunity to

many Filipinos to leave the Philippines, follow their families abroad and work there for

them to survive their daily living. Although working abroad yields benefits to their

families, this also gives negative effects on the development of the children left behind

as stated in the study of Reyes (2008). Yeoh and Lam (2006) confirmed that separation

from parent/s along with other variables have different effects on the children left

behind. In particular, according to Aguila (2006), left-behind children experienced a

sense of abandonment, loneliness, and inadequacy. Anonuevo (2002) supported this

finding through his study by concluding that migration could have both positive and

negative effects on children. Precisely, these children were happy in terms of financial

condition but sad due to lack of parental care and guidance. Also, the study of Yeoh

and Lam (2006) revealed that OFW’s left-behind children were less happy compared to

those of non-OFWs. They were also prone to the feeling of anxiety and loneliness.

Furthermore, children of migrant workers were poorly developed socially and delayed





20

in psychological development. (Battistela and Conaco, 1998). However, in contrary to

this, the survey conducted by SMC et al. yielded a result that indicates that left-behind

children can be well adjusted when they have good relationships and had strong

support from other remaining family members and relatives.

In the case studies conducted by United Nations International Children's

Emergency Fund (UNICEF), now known as United Nations Children’s Fund in 2005 in

six countries ( Ecuador, Albania, Moklova, Philippines, Mexico and Morocco) it was

revealed that migration of husband/fathers resulted to increased responsibilities for left-

behind families. On the other hand, in the same research, it was shown that the absence

of mothers had greater impact on left-behind children than the absence of their fathers.

This finding is complemented by various studies (Asis, 2006: Parrenas, 2002). According

to UNICEF (2005), having absentee mothers often lead to negative psycho-social effects

on children. This include poorer health and education of children and child abuse. In

the article Physical Distance Hurts: How Long Distance Parents Can Bridge the Gap

with Words of Affirmation (2010) by Justine Camacho-Tajonera in her site

smartparenting.com, she said, “Being a long distance parent means having to cope with

imperfect ways of communicating. Maximize your communication channels.” She gave

emphasis to the technology that surround the world, and those parents can really make

a difference in terms of relationship with their children. Also included in the articles are

ways how long distance parents can use the words of affirmation to strengthen the

relationship. These are reassure (the parents should their children that they always love

them), coach (where the parents need to ways to coach their children to fend for

themselves), make them feel safe (assuring their children that they will be safe in the

future), protect them from stress (the parents should try to reduce the stress that the





21

children feeling), protect them from fights (whenever the parents fight, they should

keep it to themselves only), and keep order and structure (enforce their daily routines,

even though the parent/s are not physically in there).

In the last statement, Tajonero added that if the parents are left with fewer

options then use what communication channel available because psychologically those

children are hurt in the situation. There is also a book titled, “Nawala ang ilaw ng

tahanan” by Dr. Honey Carandang (2007) where it looks into the problems when the

child started growing up without their mothers at home and supervision. For OFW

phenomenon, the mothers have the large probability of working abroad, and they also

have the largest number working abroad. The result is the men are dong the house

chores which is usually done by the women or the mothers. There was, on the other

hand, a debate on the effect of the absence of both parents in child development. Some

studies showed no variation from the performance of children academically when both

of their parents are at home Jones, 1995; : Lu, 2005). However, the study of Bryant as

cited in Cortes (2008) indicated that the dual parental absence actually “jeopardized

educational achievements”. Other empirical research likewise supported the negative

effects of parental migration on left-behind children’s development. (Battistela and

Conaco, 1998: Asis, 2006).Similarly, the literature showed that migration of both parents

affected the social behavior, relationships, and socialization of left behind children in

different ways. Also, according also to Glenda Ilano Chairperson on the Committee on

Advocacy, Legislation and Multimedia of the Philippine Psychiatric Association: “They

*OFW parents+ fail to navigate through the air pockets and storms in life. Since

adolescence is a period of experimentation, there are always areas of conflict and issues

that inevitably arise from this period. Some of the behaviors that trouble parents may





22

be normal symptoms of growing up. She implies that several conflicts can result in this

situation like sibling rivalry, experimentation on drugs, alcohol, and pre-marital sex,

being too much involved in video games, internet, and cellphone. She also added: “Since

teen-agers are short on personal substance and accomplishments, the external trappings

assume a primary role in defining their social status. When they feel that they have

failed to measure up to the standards of their peers, their self –esteem suffers a blow

that can diminish their ability to cope with life’s problems.”The only temporary solution

for OFW parenting is that they need to have a solid and warm relationship in their

home even though distance hinders their relationship.

The parents need to do some action like supporting whenever the children need

them. Given these effects of labor migration and parenting with geographicalse

paration, ambiguity in family communication is inevitable but with the rise of new

media and modern communication mediums, this negativity can be lessened. Related

literature showed that the current developments in information and communications

technology (ICTs) have reduced the harsh effects of parentchild separation brought

about by labor migration (Parrenas, 2002: Asis, 2006). Parrenas (2002), discovered that

increased frequency and regularity in communication led to lower levels of emotional

disturbances such as loneliness and anxiety. This finding was supported by Asis (2006).

Thus, it can be safely inferred that communication, through various forms of media, can

serve as a coping mechanism to minimize the stress and loneliness associated with

separation of family members due to labor migration.

Meanwhile, earlier studies about family communication focused on the medium

used such as snail mail, landline phones, and cellular phones (Nicholas, 1993: Paragas,





23

1996). Prior to the emergence of more recent communication tools, snail mail was the

main form of long distance communication. This was because the snail mail was readily

available and less expensive during the time. (Paragas, 1996) compared to overseas

landline telephone calls. As revealed by several research works, the availability of

communication media has increased communication between migrants and their left-

behind families. Fortunately, with the emergence of newer communication gadgets,

bridging the gap became faster, easier and more convenient. In the last few years,

numerous studies have been conducted on the use of cellular phones in terms of

development and maintenance of social relationships. Newer communication

technology, particularly text messaging has replaced older ones. OFW families have

preferred it over snail mails. Greater access and cheaper costs of cellular phones have

made lone-distance communication even more attainable.

As a result, the presence of various mediums of communication has brought a

sense of connectedness to OFW families. (Aguila, 2006). Pascua (2004) noted that

children used cellular phones mainly to discuss their school and non-school activities,

personal matters, and monetary needs with their parents. Furthermore the medium is

said to be almost as good as face to face communication when it comes to showing of

emotion and feelings. More recently, it has been established that new communication

tools maintain intimate relationship whether social or filial. Aguila’s study (2006)

verified that long distance relationships can be maintained through computer mediated

communication, specifically the internet. It was also found that internet-based

communication was a useful venue in exchanging thoughts and ideas.





24

All in all, these varying conclusions by different authors may be because of the

different situations that the left-behind children are in. All the same, these finding have

implications on the relationship of an OFW parent/s with their children left in the

Philippines and since the family communication process is unique in each family,

understanding how OFW families communicate helped the researchers analyze each

family.

SYNTHESIS

People nowadays depend on technology in order to communicate with people.

People get more dependent on social media that it becomes the most effective means of

communication, especially to distant families. Social media websites also allows distant

families to keep in touch with their families by chatting and/or video call in a very

convenient way. Also, communicating through online application and social media

sites help individuals improve understanding and connection with their families,

friends and work mates to support one another even without the presence of face-to-

face communication.





25

Chapter 3

STUDY FRAMEWORK

Communication is an act of transmitting and conveying meaning where people

participate for a certain purpose. Nowadays, people communicate more through social

media sites. Since, the medium used in communication already evolve, fewer people

communicate in a face to face basis.

Therefore, the researchers in this chapter seek to explain the communication

process of a distant student and a relative by using communication model and theory.

The theory was used as the foundations of the study Communication Patterns of

Selected Distant Far Eastern University Students with their Families.

Theoretical Framework

Media System Dependency Theory (MSD), or simply media dependency, was

developed by Sandra Ball-Rokeach and Melvin Defleur in 1976. The theory is grounded

in classical sociological literature positing that media and their audiences should be

studied in the context of larger social systems. ( Ball-Rokeach, et al.,1976). MSD ties

together the interrelations of broad social systems, mass media, and the individual into

a comprehensive explanation of media effects. At its core, the basic dependency

hypothesis states that the more a person depends on media to meet needs, the more

important media will be in a person's life, and therefore the more effects media will

have on a person. ( Ognyanova et al., 2012)

Media dependency theory states two specific conditions under which people's

media needs, and consequently people's dependency on media and the potential for





26

media effects, are heightened.

The first condition of heightened media needs occurs when the number of media

and centrality of media functions in a society are high.( Ball-Rokeach et al., 1976) For

instance, in modernized countries like the United States, there are many media outlets

and they serve highly centralized social functions. In the United States alone, the media

act as a "fourth branch" of government, an alarm system during national emergencies,

and as a tool for entertainment and escape, whereas in the underdeveloped world the

media are not as numerous and serve far fewer functions. As such, the media have a

greater opportunity to serve needs and exert effects in contemporary America than in a

third world country.( Ball-Rokeach et al., 1979)

For more than three decades, media dependency theory (MDT) has provided a

theoretical basis for explaining the relationship among individuals, institutions, and

media at both macro and micro levels. During that period, digital media have grown to

become an integral part of daily life for many people. In 1998 Ball-Rokeach1 discussed

the implications of this growth, anticipating the impact of the Internet on media

dependency, when she wrote: ‚The Internet thus intrudes on traditional relations by

being integrated into an expanded media system that may expand the reach of

understanding, orientation, and play goals that individuals, groups, and organizations

may attain through media dependency relations."





27

Fig. 1.Media System Dependency Theory (MSD)

This model is more elaborated and shows more specific effects of the

dependency theory. This framework represents the focus of the model: ‚Society" refers

to the degree of structural stability varies; "Media" refers to the number and centrality of

info function varies; "Audience" describes the degree of dependency on media

information varies; "Effects" indicates the cognitive, affective and behavioral effects of

media message.

This figure presents the relationship of society and media are regarded as

important antecedents to an individual’s experience with the media. The nature of

media dependence on societal systems varies across political, economic, and cultural

system. Between the relationship of audience and media the key variable in this theory

affects the use of mass medium and also varies across media system. Between the

relationship of society and audience the distant families influence by the society for

media use, values, provide norms, knowledge and laws for their members. The function

of social system offers similar services of the media.





28

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Fig 2.Media System Dependency Theory (MSD)

This figure presents the relationship of students and social media sites are

regarded as important antecedents to an individual’s experience with the social media

sites. It depends on the social media site used on what could be the positive or negative

effects of it to the students. The nature of social media sites depends on the family

members who are using it to communicate with the student. Between the relationships

of family members to the positive or negative effects of social media sites also varies to

the social media sites they are using. Between the student and family members the

relationship is positively or negatively affecting it depending on the social media sites

that they use.

STUDENTS SOCIAL MEDIA

SITES

FAMILY MEMBERS

POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES





29

OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK

Fig. 3 Media System Dependency Theory (MSD)

This figure presents the relationship of the selected distant Far Eastern

University students and social media sites like facebook, twitter, instagram, viber and

etc. are regarded as important antecedents to an individual’s experience with the social

media sites. The social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Viber and etc.

have different effectiveness to the communication of the selected FEU student to

his/her parents, relation or guardian. The nature of social media sites depends on the

students’ relative, parents or guardians who are using it. Between the relationships of

students’ relative, parents or guardians to the effectiveness of the communication also

varies to the social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Viber and etc. that

they use.

SELECTED FEU

MASSCOMMUNICATI

ON STUDENTS

FACEBOOK, TWITTER,

INSTAGRAM, VIBER

ETC

PARENTS, RELATIVES,

GUARDIAN

HOW EFFECTIVE DOES COMMUNICATION

THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA SITES ON

DISTANT STUDENTS AND REATIVES





30

Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined for better understanding to the study and the

common reference on their meanings.

Channel. A system of communication to transmit information between a sender and

receiver.

Communication Patterns. The modes of communication that people frequently used in

different situations and different people.

Distant Family. Member of a family that lives far away from original home.

Facebook-ing. The act of using the social media site Facebook as the means of

communication.

Family. It is a group of people that is related to each other.

Internet-based Communication. It is a kind communication wherein people

communicate via internet and/or using any communication based sites like Facebook,

Twitter, Skype, E-Mail and etc.

Interpersonal Relationship. A kind of interaction that is between two or more people

that fulfills each other emotional and physical needs.

Mass Communication Students. Far Eastern University students that studies about the

mass media which lives far away or separated from their family because of entering

college.

Media Dependency Theory.A systematic approach to the study of the effects of mass





31

media on audiences and of the interactions between media, audiences, and social

systems.

Media Studies.A study that deals in the field of history and effects of mass media to the

society.

Online Relationship. Is a relationship between people who have met via internet or the

relationship only develops through online.

Social Media.An internet-based application that is used in socializing with other

people.

Students.Far Eastern University Mass Communication students that is away or living

far from their families due to the need of studying college in Manila.





32

Chapter 4

STUDY DESIGN

This research used quantitative and qualitative design. The researchers used both

design to be able to be explanatory and descriptive in nature as it aimed to find out the

different communication patterns through social media of the selected FEU students in

communicating with their distant families.

METHODS AND SAMPLING

The researchers have conducted a survey with the use of the questionnaires

about the communication patterns between FEU Mass Communication students with

their distant families.

Survey method has done between November to December 2014. The respondents

answered the surveys based on their own perception of what is the most effective

medium of communication they are using.

The researchers also conducted a focus interview with the guide questions in

relate to the objectives of this research.

UNITS OF ANALYSIS

FEU Mass Communication students and their distant families are the key players

in this study. The research was based on the phenomenon that social media is the new

medium of communication nowadays between distant families.

There are five major units of analysis studied in this research.

The effects of social media to distant FEU students on how they communicate





33

with their families.

The strengths and weaknesses of social media sites used by FEU distant

respondents in communicating with their families.

Level of effectiveness of social media as a mean of communication between FEU

Mass Communication students and their families.

Suggestion on how to improve communication using social media.

Kind of communication patterns used and the frequency of communicating with

the chosen family member depending on its Frequency, Choice of family

member they are communicating with, Topics of conversations, Choice of social

media, and Nature of communication.

INSTRUMENTS

The researchers conducted a survey questionnaire as the main data gathering

tool for the research. The survey consist questions for the respondents to answer the

main purpose of the research, which is to know the most effective medium of

communication the respondents are using to communicate with their distant families.

The questionnaire included questions about the respondent’s demographic

profile, perception towards the research topic, knowledge on the social media sites, and

their practices in using social media.

Survey questionnaire was designed by the researchers with the professional

guidance and inputs from their research adviser.

The researchers chose 15 respondents for the pre-test and 50 respondents for the





34

actual survey.

DATA ANALYSIS

Data analysis will be conducted as simultaneous activity with data collection,

categorization of information and interpretation.

Respondents will answer the survey questions based on the following criteria:

Strengths and weaknesses of social media sites used by FEU students –

respondents and their distant families.

Level of effectiveness of social media as a mean of communication between FEU

Mass Communication students and their families.

Suggestions on how to improve communication through social media.

To identify the social media sites used as the means of communications based on

frequency, choice of the member of the family they are communicating with,

topics of conversation, choice of social media and their nature of communication.

To know the suggestions of the FEU students – respondents on how to improve

communication using social media.

The researchers used the descriptive statistics approach to draw analysis from the

percentage of the answers on each question listed in the survey questionnaire and

qualitative approach to gather an in-depth understanding on the communication

patterns of the selected FEU students with their distant families using social media sites.





35

Chapter 5

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This chapter presents and discusses the results of the survey of selected distant

Mass Communication students of Far Eastern University with their families on what

means of communication they choose in order to communicate with each other and

how do social media affect the communication patterns of distant Far Eastern

University students with their families.

RESULTS OF SURVEY

Table 1. Frequency of Communication

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

How often do you

communicate with

your family using

social media site?

A. 1-2x a week 23 46%

B. 3-4x a week 11 22%

C. 7x a week 11 22%

D. 5-6x a week 5 10%

Table 1 shows that less than half (46%) of the respondents answered that they

communicate with their distant family member once to twice a week. While equally,

few (22%) of the respondents answered that they communicate with their distant family





36

member three to four times a week, five to six times a week and seven times a week, or

every day.

Table 2. Choice of member of the family they are communicating with:

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

Who among your

family member do

you usually

communicate with?

A. Parents 40 80%

B. Siblings 7 14%

C. Aunt/Uncle 2 4%

D. Others 1 2%

Table 2 shows that almost all (80%) of the fifty respondents answered that they usually

communicate with their parents through social media sites. While few (14%) of the

respondents answered that they usually communicate with their siblings through social

media sites.





37

Table 3. Topics of the Conversation

Question Frequency

N=50

Percentage

What do you and your distant family

members usually talk about when you

communicate through social media sites?

A. Financial concerns: tuition fee,

allowance

23 46%

B. School concerns: events, grades,

school projects

9 18%

C. Health/Emotional concerns 14 24%

D. Others: random stuffs, telling

different stories, love life,

anything happened with in the

day

4 8%

Table 3 describes that a great majority (62%) of the respondents answered that the usual

topic of their conversation whenever they communicate with their distant family is

financial concerns. And few of the respondents answered that the usual topics of their

conversation with their distant family is about their health or emotional concerns and

school concerns and others.





38

Table 4. Choice of social media

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

What social media site do you

usually use to communicate

with your distant family?

A. Facebook 37 74%

B. Viber 8 16%

C. Skype 5 10%

D. WeChat 0 0

Table 4 shows that a great majority (74%) of the respondents answered that the social

media site they usually use in communicating with their distant family members is

Facebook. While few (16%) of the respondents uses Viber, and few (10%) uses Skype.

Table 5 Choice of Social Media Site

Question Frequency

N=60

Percentage

Why did you choose that social

media site in communicating with

your distant family?

A. Easy 13 21.67%

B. Features 13 21.67%

C. Active and it is the only account they

have

10 16.67%

D. Convenient 8 13.34%

E. Fast 8 13.34%

F. Free 7 11.67

G. Availability in the country 1 1.67%

Multiple responses





39

Base respondents=50

f=60

Table 5 shows that most of the reasons of the respondents why they choose the social

media site they are using to communicate with their distant family is that it is easy to

use and the features of the social media site like it has video calling feature, they can

also see the updates of their families through posts.

Table 6 Advantage of the Social Media Site Chosen Compared to the Others

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

What do you think

is the advantage of

the social media site

that you use

compared to others?

A. It has easy

phone access

15 30%

B. Fastest 14 28%

C. Available

always

8 16%

D. Video calling

feature

8 16%

E. They get

instant replies

5 10%

Table 6 shows that some of the respondents (30%) answered that the advantage of the

social media site they usually use is that it has free access and some (28%) answered

that it is the fastest social media site while equally few (16%) of the respondents

answered that its advantage is that it is available always and, few (10%) said that it also





40

has a video calling feature and they also get instant replies with the site they usually use

Table 7.1-7.2 Openness through Social Media

Table 7.1

Question Frequency N=50 Percentage

Does

communicating in

social media sites

help you to become

more open with

your family

member/ guardian?

A. Yes 40 80%

B. No 10 20%

Table 7.2

Why?

A. Yes

- Easy to use 18

- Improves openness 17

- They get updates 3

- It makes sharing interesting 2

B. No

- Non Personal 7

- Hard to communicate because it is not

always available

4

Table 7.1 – 7.2 Shows that a great majority (80%) of the fifty respondents agree that





41

social media sites help them to be more open with their distant family members because

they can easily talk to them because it is an easy access while few (20%) of the

respondents did now agree because they said that it lacks personal connection.

Table 8. Advantages of Communicating Through Social Media

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

What is the advantage

of communicating

through social media

sites with your distant

family?

A. Easier

especially in

times of

emergency

19 38%

B. It is convenient

and has easy

access

17 34%

C. Cheaper than

sending

traditional

mails

2 4%

D. All of the

above

12 24%

Table 8 shows that many (38%) of the respondents answered that the advantage of

communicating through social media site is that it is much easier especially in times of

emergency and some (34%) also said that it is convenient and has easy access. Few

(41%) of them answered that it is cheaper than sending traditional mails. And some





42

(24%) answered all of the above.

Table 9. Disadvantages of Communicating Through Social Media

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

What is the disadvantage

of communicating

through social media sites

with your distant family?

A. Communication

lacks of emotional

connection

17 34%

B. It decreases

understanding and

thoughtfulness of

message

8 16%

C. It has many

distraction

5 10%

D. All of the above 18 36%

E. Others: need wi-fi 2 4%

Table 9 shows that many (36%) of the respondents answered all of the above, that

the disadvantages of communicating through social media are: it lacks emotional

connection, it decreases understanding and thoughtfulness of the message, and it

has many distractions.





43

Table 10.1-10.2 Recommendations of the Respondents to the Social Media Site

They Use

Table 10.1

Question Frequency N=50 Percentage

Would you

recommend the

social media site

that you are usually

using to other

students with

distant families?

A. Yes 39 78%

B. No 11 22%

Table 10.2

Why?

C. Yes

- Features 15

- Easy 14

- Common / Popular 6

- Useful 4

D. No

- My lead to communication 5

- Prefer to talk personally

- Prefer to talk through SMS or phone

calls

- Lacks of privacy

3

2

1

Table 10.1 – 10.2 shows that a great majority (78%) of the fifty respondents will

recommend the social media site they usually use because of its easy access and it





44

has best features while few of the respondents will not recommend the social media

site they are using because it may lead to miscommunication and they prefer to talk

in personal.

Table 11. Satisfaction for the Social Media Site

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

How satisfied are

you with the social

media site you

usually use in

communicating with

your distant family?

A. Very satisfied 23 46%

B. Satisfied 19 38%

C. Neutral 8 16%

D. Dissatisfied 0 0%

Table 11 shows that less than half (46%) of the fifty respondents are very satisfied with

the social media site they are using to communicate with their distant family member.





45

Table 12. Effectiveness of the Chosen Social Media Site

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

How effective is the

social media sites

that you usually use

in communicating

with your distant

family member/s?

A. Very effective 34 68%

B. Somewhat

effective

16 32%

C. Not effective 0 0

Table 12 Shows that a great majority (68%) of the fifty respondents believes that the

social media site they are usually using is very effective.

Table 13. Effectiveness of Chatting through Social Media in terms of Emotions

Question Frequency

N=50

Percentage

Do you think it is

effective to show your

emotions and feelings

by chatting and video

chatting to your distant

family member/s?

A. Yes 39 78%

B. No 11 22%





46

Table 13 shows most (78%) of the fifty respondents believe that it is effective to show

their emotions and feelings by chatting and video chatting to their distant family

member/s. While few (22%) of the respondents that it is not effective to show your

emotions and feelings by chatting and video.

Table 14. Suggestions of the Respondents

Question

Frequency

N=50

Percentage

Please make any suggestion/s to

make the social media that you

use to communicate with your

distant family to be improved.

- Make it free for

prepaid users

36 56.25%

- No more

suggestions because

satisfied

11 17.19%

- Provide emergency

load for emergency

calls

7 1f0.93%

- Easy and high

quality video call

- Make it faster

6

4

9.38%

6.25%





47

Multiple Response=64

Table 14 shows the solicited suggestions from the respondents in order to improve the

social media site they use. Majority (56.25%) of the respondents suggest making that

social media site free for prepaid users while few suggest that it should provide

emergency load for emergency calls, to have high quality video call and to make that

site faster. Few (17.19%) of the respondents has no more suggestions because they are

already satisfied with the site they usually use to communicate with their distant

family.

There are seven respondents for the focus interview. When they were

asked on when do they feel like communicating with their distant family member,

majority of their answers states that it is important to tell distant family members about

their updates about what they were doing or what they’ll do, distant family member

should also know their needs, specifically their financial needs. Jigo Ballesteros, a 2nd

year Mass Communication student said ‚Umm, kapag halimbawa, may mga important

updates ako na feeling ko kailangan nila malaman, parang tuition fee, kailangan na magbayad, o

kaya naman halimbawa, aalis kami ng friends ko, syempre kailangan nila malaman diba. Tyaka

syempre manghihingi ako ng pocket money, mga ganun. Tas kasama na din dun yung

kakamustahin mo sila dapat diba.” (If for example I have important updates and I feel they

ought to know like I have to pay already my tuition fee or going out with my friends,

and if I ask for pocket money, these I have to tell them, but of course I make it a point to

ask how are they). One of them has different answer, Joan Mallari, a 4th year Mass

Communication student said, ‚Everytime na may kailangan ako. Like for example may

babayaran, ganun, o kaya pag kinapos ako ng budget. Minsan naman nagpapaalam ako kapag

may gala ako. Pinakaimportante talaga is kapag nagoopen ako ng problems. Feeling ko sila kasi





48

makaktulong sakin eh‛. (Every time that I fell I need something. Like for example I need

to pay something at school or if I got short on my budget. Sometimes, also when I need

to ask for their permission. But the most important thing that we discuss is my

problems. I feel that they are the one who can help me).

When they were asked how often and how long do they communicate with their

distant family, the respondents have different answers. Yana Matel, a 4th year Mass

Communication student said, ‚Depende sa pag-uusapan eh. Kapag nag kakamustahan lang,

‘dun ‘yung inaabot ng matagal kasi chikahan, diba, tsaka hindi naman makakapag-reply agad-

agad eh. Kaya umaabot ng 4 hours hanggang sa mag-good night na lang.” (It depends on the

conversation. Whenever we are talking about ‚how they are‛, it takes long, and it also

depends because replies from their love ones are not fast. So I guess, it takes almost four

hours until we say good night to each other). Jigo Ballesteros, a 2nd year Mass

Communication student said, ‚Siguro, hindi naman ganun kadalas. Mga twice or once

a week lang, ganun. Tapos kapag nag-uusap kami siguro from 10 ng gabi, which is

kadalasan online din sila. Tuwing bago sila matulog ganun‛. (It’s not that frequent.

Maybe once or twice a week, and if we talk, possibly from 10:00 pm, but because most

of that time they are usually online. We can make it usually before they go to sleep).

When it comes to choosing a distant family member to talk to, most of them

usually communicate with their parents. For them, parents should be the first one to be

updated with the things they need, things they do and/or just simply a way of venting

out their problems especially in school. Joan Mallari 4th year student, ‚ Si Mommy. Siya

kasi ung mas demanding eh, kaya siya madalas kong ka. usap. Ung tipong kelangan talaga

namin magusap at least once a week.” (My mother. She is the one who is demanding that’s

why she is the one I usually talk to.). For Yana Matel,4th year student, she usually talk





49

with her big sister. ‚‘Yung ate ko, kasi parang mas okay siya kausap kapag chikahan. Tsaka

online naman lagi siya sa Facebook kasi home-based naman ‘yung work niya. Tsaka para hindi

rin masyadong naka-focus sa akin yung atensyon, na kapag nag-chachat, kailangan reply agad.

Yung ganun.” (My sister, because I think, it is better to talk with her most especially

about chitchats. And she is always online on Facebook because her work is home-based.

And to let her don’t focus on waiting for my reply. Something like that.). Choosing the

distant family member to talk to really depends on how they are comfortable with the

person they are talking with.

We all know that a lot of people already have a Facebook account. That’s why all

of the respondents chose it as their medium in talking with their distant family. Their

reasons are it is easy to use, it’s more accessible, it’s a popular social media site and it’s

features suits the kind of service that they need. Christian Tamming, 2nd year student,

‚Facebook kasi uso na ‘yun ngayon. ‘Yung mommy ko mahilig naman mag-Facebook. Haha”

(Facebook, because it’s the new trend now. My mom usually spend her time using

Facebook. (Laughs) ). Yana Matel, 4th year student, ‚Facebook, kasi kahit nakikipag-chat ako,

nakakagawa pa din ako ng mga bagay-bagay, like, magbasa ng mga post, mag-watch ng mga

videos sa feeds, ganun.” (Facebook, because even I am chatting, I can still do other things

like watching videos on the feeds, something like that.).

For the respondents they think that talking through SMS did not hinder them to

become close with their families. Instead, it became a way for them to be more open. As

Joan Mallari, 4th year student, said ‚Oo, di ako naaawkwardan na mag-open sakanya. Di

naman kasi ganun ka-formal. Parang feeling ko kaibigan ko lang din ung kausap ko.” (Yes, I

really don’t feel any awkwardness to open anything to her. I think because it is not that





50

formal. So, I feel like I’m just talking to a friend.)

For them, social media sites are very helpful when it comes with communicating

with their distant families. As a matter of fact, they say that social media sites are the

cheapest, easiest and fastest way to communicate. Jigo Ballesteros, 2nd year student,

said ‚Umm, parang it makes hard things easy kasi imbis na magsulat pa ako ng mga mail tapos

padala sa LBC, it can be one type away nalang. Isang type ko lang ng message marereceive na

agad nila.” (Hmm, it’s like it makes hard things easier. Isn’t it? Instead of writing mails

and sending them thru LBC, I just type and in an instant the message is already

relayed‛. Lack of emotional connection may lead to misunderstanding. This is also the

reason why the generation today is not that good in speaking face-to-face or in

personal. As Jiyo Ballesteros, 2nd year sttudent, said ‚...dramatic decrease in face-to-face

communication, hmm, which I think reduces our generation’s ability to interact with

others on a speaking level.‛

For now, they are all satisfied with the chat features of the social media that they

are using. When it comes to voice message, Viede Sosa, 4th year student, requested to

make it a little longer. Another reason they don’t like about it, is that social media sites

needs an internet connection. We all know that internet connection here in our country

is not centralized. Which means you cannot use social media sites not unless you have a

connection. Yana Matel,4th year student, ‚Suggest ko nasana always available ‘yung free fb

para sa mga prepaid users.” (I suggest that, hopefully, free Facebook is always available

for the prepaid users.).





51

DISCUSSION

Students with distant family members depend on social media sites nowadays in

terms of communicating with their loved ones who are far away from them. Social

media sites make the communication of the respondents with their distant family

members easy especially in times of emergency, it is convenient and has easy access,

and it is also cheaper than sending text messages or traditional mails. However, using

social media sites in terms of communicating with their distant families also has a

negative effect for the respondents because their communication lacks of emotional

connection, it decreases the understanding and thoughtfulness of the message and it

also has many distractions. Nevertheless, on the survey that the researchers conducted,

34 out of 50 respondents or 68% believes that communicating of the respondents to their

distant family member through social media is very effective.

There are lots of social media sites to be used in communicating with distant

family members. Based on the survey, the respondents were asked on what specific

social media site they usually use in communicating with their distant family members.

A great majority of the respondents answered ‘Facebook’. Some said that

communicating through Facebook is not effective in showing their emotions through

chatting using Facebook Messenger and video call, because it is not a personal

communication and it is hard to communicate because it is not always available. Most

of the respondents find Facebook effective because it is easy to use, and it makes

sharing interesting because of the updates they get whenever their distant family

member posts something.





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The researchers also determined the communicating patterns of distant FEU

students- respondents with their families in terms of frequency. Based on the survey,

less than half of the respondents communicate with their distant family once to twice a

week only. Almost all of the respondents said that their distant parents are the ones

they usually communicate with and their usual topic of conversation is more about

financial and emotional concerns.

Using social media are already part of our lives. These sites offer its users to aim

and satisfy the student needs and will give the explanation as to why people seek out a

type of media that satisfied their specific needs. People have a specific motive as to why

they use a specific type of media tool particularly the social networking sites.

Consequently, people’s dependency on media and the potential for the specific media

effects for the student’s lives were heightened.

It has been showed in this study that the respondents relied on the social media

to communicate with their distant families because they become more dependent on the

media nowadays. As the hypothesis of our theory states that the more a person depends

on the media to meet needs, the more important media will be in a person’s life and

therefore the more effects media will have on a person.





53

Chapter 6

CONCLUSION AND RECCOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion and recommendation based on

the previously presented, interpreted and analysed data about the social media that

been using by the selected distant FEU Mass Communication students.

The researchers determined communication patterns of distant FEU students-

respondents with their families. In this part we knew the number of times they used to

communicate with their family members using social media and most of our

participants in this study answered that only 1-2x a week they communicate with their

parents and most of the mass communication students revealed the main purpose or

the usual topic of their conversation. More than half of our respondents admit that they

talked to their parents especially when they have financial concerns followed by health

and emotional concerns. The respondents revealed the most effective social media site

that they usually used and determined the communication patterns with their families.

Participants in this study indicated that the website they update the most was

Facebook.

The FEU student – respondents proved to the fact that they seem to enjoy

discussions using Facebook and interactions with their families because it is easy,

convenient and free access tool. Therefore, they still have suggestions for the

improvement of facebook and still they are looking for the best features of this site. At

certain times this social media site is very accessible because some of cellular phone





54

networks are offering free unlimited access which means you can use it even without

internet connection compare to the other site. Thus, having Facebook account is very

easy and we come-up with the answers that most of our respondents are very satisfied

using it. Facebook made it much easier for the students to communicate with their

family members.

The FEU student – respondents used a variety of ways to communicate with

friends and family on social networking sites. Wall posts and status updates were the

most common ways to communicate, but students sent private messages and posted

photographs as well. Probably, posting wall posts and status updates was easier and

faster to communicate than sending private messages or posting photographs. Results

also showed that social media has helped students maintain contact with their family

who are not usually buying load for their cellular phones. And even they were not

talking to their parents often they can still look for each other updates and wall post.

But our respondents also said that this have a disadvantage through emotional

effectively. Our participants said that there is lack of interpretation because sometimes

their parents misunderstood their posts and updates. This indicates that quality of

communication over the computer is not ideal, but it still provides easy and fast

communication service.

This study also answered the effectiveness of the social media. Majority of the

fifty respondents believe that the social media sites they are usually using are very

effective. The survey also proves that most of the respondents usually communicate

with their parents through social media and but this goes to show that there are

advantages and disadvantages of using it.

In addition to this we asked the students on what they want to suggest for the

improvement of the social media that they used to communicate their distant families





55

and most college students preferred to communicate face to face rather than over a

computer. However, with friends and family living in provinces and other far places,

communicating via a computer was a more convenient option.

Therefore, they have different answers and satisfaction through the media they

are using. Some wants an improvement and additional features like high quality video

call which is only for free. This study makes an important contribution to create new

and faster ways of communication because of increasing rates of the people who are

using it.

In this study the researchers realized how social media plays a big role in filling

the relationship gap between distant families, that our generation today is very lucky

because of the rise of technology. Since today's generation no longer experience

difficulties of communication with their distant families. However, communication

through social media is not that successful because of the absences of emotional

connections and physical presence, that they cannot fully distinguish the feelings of

their distant family member.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Practical. The researchers recommend that the students should limit and be

aware of their usage of social media sites in communicating with their distant family.

Thus, we encourage them to still practice proper communication with their distant

family, especially in their free time, for them to build strong relationship and to remove

uncertainty that was created because of the distance that they had. In addition the

researchers recommended that FEU Mass Communication students that they should

utilize more their technology capabilities and use it as a tool for an ultimate bond





56

communication to their family, friends etc.

Research.The study in the communication patterns between student and their

distant family varies depending on the social media site that they use, the relationship

of the student with his or her family, as well as the importance of the message that they

are discussing. The researchers recommend to research more about the relationship

between the society, media and audience to know how affects people using a mass

medium.

Theoretical. will be recommended in this research developed by Sandra Ball-

Rokeach and Melvin Defluer. This theory seeks to explain the relationship among

individuals, institutions, and media at both macro and micro levels. And to show how

the future respondents on how they depend to the social media in terms of

communicating. In addition this theory aims to present sociological framework for the

analysis of the macro and micro determinants of those media system dependencies. The

configuration of determinants that constitute this framework includes structural

dependencies between media and other social systems.





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REFERENCES

Online Sources

http://scholarworks.rit.edu/theses/30/

http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/27327211

http://www.sciencedirect.com/

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/

http://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/ http://www.aabri.com/manuscripts/121214.pdf

http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_system_dependency_theory

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasswell's_model_of_communication

Shoemaker, Pamela; Tankard, Jr., J. and Lasorsa, D. (2004). How to Build Social Science

Theories. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. p. 109.

Ball-Rokeach, Sandra J; DeFleur, ML (1976). "A dependency model of mass-media

effects". Communication Research 3 (1): 3–21. doi:10.1177/009365027600300101.

Baym, N. K., Zhang, Y.B., Kunkel, A., Ledbetter, A., & Mei-Chen, L. (2007). Relational

quality and media use in interpersonal relationships. New Media & Society, 9(5), 735-

752. doi:10.1177/14614444807080339





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APPENDICES

Questionnaire:

Name (optional): __________________________________

Age: ________________

Province: ______________

We are 4th year Mass Communication students who would like to conduct a survey for our story entitled Communication Patterns of Selected Distant Far Eastern University Mass Communication Student with Their Families.

Instruction: Encircle the letter of your answer.

1. How often do you communicate with your family using social media site? *Please choose one.

a) 1-2x a week

b) 3-4x a week

c) 5-6x a week

d) 7x a week

2. Who among your family member do you usually communicate with? *Please choose one.

a) Parents

b) Siblings

c) Aunt/Uncle

d) Others pls. specify________________________

3. What do you and your distant family members usually talk about when you communicate through social media sites? *Please choose one.

a) Financial concerns Pls. specify further: ________________________________

b) School concerns Pls. specify further: ________________________________

c) Health/emotional concerns

d) Others pls. specify ________________________





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4. What social media site do you usually use to communicate with your distant family? *Please choose one.

e) Facebook

f) Skype

g) WeChat

h) Viber

i) Others pls. specify _________________

5. Why did you choose that social media site in communicating with your distant family?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What do you think is the advantage of the social media site that you use compared to others?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Does communicating in social media sites help you to become more open with your family member/ guardian?

Yes. Why? Please explain.________________________________________________________________

No. Why? Please explain.________________________________________________________________

8. What is the advantage of communicating through social media sites with your distant family?





60

a) Communicating is much easier especially in times of emergency

b) It is convenient and has easy access

c) It is a lot cheaper than sending traditional mails

d) All of the above

e) Others pls. specify ___________________________________

9. What is the disadvantage of communicating through social media sites with your distant family?

a) Lacks emotional connection

b) Decreases understanding and thoughtfulness of your message

c) It has many distraction

d) All of the above

e) Others pls. specify ___________________________________

10. Would you recommend the social media site that you are usually using to other FEU distant students?

Yes. Why? ________________________________________________________________________

No. Why? ________________________________________________________________________

11. How satisfied are you with the social media site you usually use in communicating with your distant family?

a) Very satisfied

b) Satisfied

c) Neutral

d) Dissatisfied

e) Very dissatisfied

12. How effective is the social media sites that you usually use in communicating with your distant family member/s?

a) Very effective

b) Somewhat effective

c) Not effective





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13. Do you think it is effective to show your emotions and feelings by chatting and video chatting to your distant family member/s

a. Yes

b. No

14. Please make any suggestion/s to make the social media that you use to communicate with your distant family to be improved.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________





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Guide Questions for Focus Interview:

A. When do you feel like communicating with your distant family member?

B. How long do you spend your time communicating with your family and how often?

C. Who among your distant family member you usually communicate with?

D. What social media site do you use when communicating with your distant family member?

E. Do you think social media sites help you to become more open too your family?

F. What are the advantages of social media for you?

G. What are the disadvantages of social media sites for you?

H. Are you satisfied with the social media site you are using in terms of communicating with

your family.

I. What are your suggestions for the social media site you are using?





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Aika Sena , 4th year Mass Communication student

A.Pag walang ginagawa or kapag may kailangan tapos minsan kinakamusta ko sila tsaka kapag

may ibabalita ako.

If I do nothing or if I need something and sometimes I ask if how are they and when I

got to tell them something.

B.Uhm... mga 1-2 hours lang kasi madalas busy sila kasi may work kaya di kami nakakapag usap

ng matagal.

I think 1-2 hours only because they were busy in their work so we can’t talk that long.

C.Mother. Si mama kasi siya yung napagkukwentohan ko ng mga nangyayari, tsaka sa kanya

ako nanghihingi ng allowance at ibang gastos.

My mother,because I usually tell her of what’s happening and she’s the one I ask for my

allowance and other expenses.

D.Facebook and skype. Pero mas madalas skype. Uhm..Mas gusto kasi ni mama video call dahil

nahihirapan na sya magbasa ng text dahil medyo Malabo na ang kanyang paningin.

Facebook and skype. But most of the time skype. My mom preferred the use of video

call because she has a difficulty in reading text because of her eye problem.

E. Oo, compare mo sa phonecall. Mas maganda sya kasi free tapos may video call.

Yes, compare it on a phone call. It is better because it’s free and there’s video call.

F. Mas mabilis yung communication,unlike before na sabi nila mama noong nag aaral daw sila

swerte nang makausap nila parents nila sa isang buwan. Ngayon anytime na gusto naten

pwede, lalo na kapag mabilis ang internet connection tsaka di kailangang gumastos sa load.

Faster communication. My mom told me that when they study before they were lucky

enough if they had a chance to communicate with their parents in a month. But now we

can communicate to them anytime we want especially when there’s a fast internet

connection and we don’t need to spend money for the load.

G.Hmmm pag walang internet connection wala din.

If there’s no internet connection, no communication as well.

H.Oo syempre, madami na kasi pwede gamitin e, Facebook, Skype, Viber at madami pa,





64

Compare kasi before na kokonti lang.

Yes of course, now we can use facebook, skype, Viber and many more, compare before

that it’s exiguous.

I.Siguro free use ng social media, yung magagamit kahit walang internet. hahaha

Maybe free use of social media, the available even without internet.(laughs)

Christian Tamming, 2nd year Mass Communication student

A. Uhm…feeling ko every time na may update sa’kin na feeling ko kailangan nilang malaman,

for example, nagpunta ako sa ganito, sa ganyan. O minsan naman kapag kailangan ko g

allowance o kaya naman kinapos ako sa allowance, mga ganun..

I think, every time I feel that I should be informing them on my updates that they need

to know, like for example, I went here, I went there. Or sometimes, every time that I

need allowance or every time I am short of my allowance.

B. Yun nga, uhm, madalas, updates and ‘yung pag hingi ko na rin ng allowance or any other na

babayaran. So feeling ko once a week lang para naman ma-miss nila ako ng konti. Hehe.

Like what I said, I talk to them often about my updates and whenever I ask them to give

my allowance or any other payments. So I think, I communicate with them once a week,

so that they will miss me. (laughs)

C. ‘Yung mommy ko, kasi wala naman na ‘yung dad ko.

My mom, because I don’t have a father anymore.

D. Facebook kasi uso na ‘yun ngayon. ‘Yung mommy ko mahilig naman mag-Facebook. Haha

Facebook because it’s a trend now. My mom usually spend her time using Facebook.

(Laughs)

E. Yes, I guess, kasi kung wala ‘yung ganung socal media site, baka bihira na lang kami mag-

usap. Mahal kasi load ngayon eh.

Yes, I guess, because I think if there has no social media site like that, I think we can no

longer communicate often. Because electronic load for cell phones are expensive these

days.

F. Yun nga, parang laki ng help niya sa sitwasyong ganito. Kasi magiging mahirap ‘yung means





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of communication kapag walang ganito.

Like what I’ve said, it’s like it has a big help for this kind of situation. Because it will be

harder to communicate if there is no means of communication like this.

G. Uhm, feeling ko naman wala.

I feel like there’s no disadvantage.

H. Satisfied naman, kasi habang tumatagal, gumaganda features eh.

I am satisfied because the features become more and more usable as time pass by.

I. Feeling ko, wala na. Hehe, keri na.

I think, there’s no more can I suggest. (Laughs). It’s enough.





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Yana Matel, 4th year Mass Communication student

A. Siyempre, for the updates, kamustahan, ganun. Para malaman ko kung anong meron, kung

ano bago sa kanila. Makiki-balita lang sa kanila. Kasi miss ko sila palagi eh. Tsaka siyempre

kapag may kailangan din ako like ‘yung sa allowance, ganun. Tsaka ‘yung mga dapat bayaran.

Of course, for the updates, knowing they’re okay, like that. To let me know what is new

to them. I just want to know updates about them, because I always miss them. And of

course, sometimes I need allowance.

B. Depende sa pag-uusapan eh. Kapag nag kakamustahan lang, ‘dun ‘yung inaabot ng matagal

kasi chikahan, diba, tsaka hindi naman makakapag-reply agad-agad eh. Kaya umaabot ng 4 hours

hanggang sa mag-good night na lang.

It depends on the conversations. Whenever we are talking about ‚how they are‛, it

takes long, and it also depends because replies from their love ones are not fast. So I

guess, it takes almost four hours until we say good night to each other.

C. ‘Yung ate ko, kasi parang mas okay siya kausap kapag chikahan. Tsaka online naman lagi siya

sa Facebook kasi home-based naman ‘yung work niya. Tsaka para hindi rin masyadong naka-

focus sa akin yung atensyon, na kapag nag-chachat, kailangan reply agad. Yung ganun.

My sister, because I think, it is better to talk with her most especially about chitchats.

And she is always online on Facebook because her work is home-based. And to let her

don’t focus on waiting for my reply. Something like that.

D. Facebook, kasi kahit nakikipag-chat ako, nakakagawa pa din ako ng mga bagay-bagay, like,

magbasa ng mga post, mag-watch ng mga videos sa feeds, ganun.

Facebook, because even I am chatting, I can still do other things like watching videos on

the feeds, something like that.

E. Yes, kasi noon naman, hindi kami close ni ate eh! Naging close lang naman kami dahil sa mga

chikahan naming sa Facebook. Nawawala kasi ‘yung awkwardness minsan kapag hindi personal

eh. Feeling ko.

Yes, because me and my sister are not close before. We only became close to each other

because of our chitchats on Facebook. I feel like there’s no awkwardness if it’s not

personal.

F. Advantage ng social media is ang laki ng naitutulong niya para sa koneksyon ng mga tao sa

isa’t isa. Isa na nga ‘dun ‘yung pagiging tool niya sap ag-improve ng relasyon sa mga





67

magkakalayong tao.

I think the advantage of social media is that, it plays a big role for the connection

between people. One of those is it serves as a tool to improve the relationships of people

with long distance.

G. Disadvantage naman niya is ‘yung advantage niya rin mismo na sa sobrang pinapa-

dali niya ‘yung communication ng tao, masyado naman nagde-depende ‘yung mga tao

dito. Siyempre nasa isip nila ‚Nandyan lang naman yung Facebook eh, anytime pwede

ko kausapin ‘yan‛, na nagle-lead sa hindi nalang makakausap.

It’s disadvantage is it’s advantage itself. The more it makes the communication easier,

the more people depend on it. It’s like people would think: ‚Facebook is always there,

anytime I can communicate with that person‛ that leads to not talking with that person

later on.

H. Sobrang satisfied ako kasi diba nga, sa case ko, na malayo ako sa pamilya ko, parang hinahain

niya na sa akin ‘yung mga kailangan ko para makausap sila sa pamamagitan ng mga features

like chat, comments, wall posts, tags, ganun.

I am very satisfied because like what I’ve said, in my case that I am far away with my

love ones, it’s like Facebook is already offering me my needs in order to communicate

with them in the means of chatting, comments, wall posts, tags.

I. Suggest ko nasana always available ‘yung free fb para sa mga prepaid users.

I suggest that, hopefully, free facebook is always available for the prepaid users.





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Viede Ann Sosa, 4th year Mass Communication student

A.Uhm, I feel like talking to my family whenever I have problems, most especially, in

financial matters. I also communicate with them when I need to update them what are

my plans aside from school stuff like ‚gala‛ or what.

B. Whenever I have time, it is sure that I’ll try to find a way to communicate with them

C. My aunt. My dad doesn’t have social media account so most of the time, I just ask

my aunt to tell my dad regarding my problems or needs.

D. Hmmm…sometimes Skype but most of the time, Facebook.

E. To be honest, No.

F. It is much cheaper and it is easier to use.

G. I’m not sure if they feel my emotions. Hahaha (laughs). I mean I don’t know if they

take my emojis in Facebook seriously.

H. Very satisfied. There’s no more I can ask.

I. Hmmm. Maybe longer voice message because for what I have remembered, Facebook

only allows one and a half minute of voice messaging.

Jigo Ballesteros 2nd year student

A. Umm, kapag halimbawa, may mga important updates ako na feeling ko kailangan nila

malaman, parang tuition fee, kailangan na magbayad, o kaya naman halimbawa, aalis kami ng

friends ko, syempre kailangan nila malaman diba. Tyaka syempre manghihingi ako ng pocket

money, mga ganun. Tas kasama na din dun yung kakamustahin mo sila dapat diba.

Umm, If for example I have important updates and I feel they ought to know like I have

to pay already my tuition fee or going out with my friends, and if I ask for pocket

money, these I have to tell them, but of course I make it a point to ask how are they.

B.Siguro hindi naman ganun kadalas. Mga twice or once a week lang ganun. Tapos kapag

naguusap kami siguro from 10 ng gabi which is kadalasan online din sila. Twing bago sila

matulog ganun.

It’s not that frequent. Maybe once or twice a week, and if we talk, possibly from 10:00





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pm, but because most of that time they are usually online. We can make it usually

before they go to sleep.

C. Umm, sila mama at papa. Kasi sila naman talaga yung responsible sa mga concerns ko, tyaka

syempre responsibility ko na din bilag anak na mag-update sa kanila.

Umm, my dad and my mom are primary responsible for my concerns, it’s my

responsibility as their child D.Para sa akin, Facebook e. Kasi okay yung chat ng Facebook,

tyaka yun din yung ginagamit nila na hindi sila nalilito, ganun! Medyo familiar na sila gamitin

yung Facebook.

For me, Facebook, because Facebook’s chat is okay and that is what they’re using so

they won’t get confused anymore. They are already familiar with the use of the

Facebook.

E. Kasi yun nga, kahit malayo kami sa isa’t isa possible pa din na magkausap kami. Kumbaga

parang ganung feeling pa din tulad ng nasa bahay. Pisikal na katawan ko lang wala don pero

ganun pa din.

Because even if we’re far apart, communication is also possible as if we are still together

in the house, except for me being physically absent there, nothing really matters.

F.Umm, parang it makes hard things easykasi imbis na magsulat pa ako ng mga mail tapos

padala sa LBC, it can be one type away nalang. Isang type ko lang ng message marereceive na

agad nila.

Umm, it’s like it makes hard things easier. Isn’t it? Instead of writing mails and sending

them thru LBC, I just type and in an instant the message is already relayed.

G. Yun lang, yung parang nagdedepend na masyado yung tao sa social media yung tipong isang

hagdan lang ang pagitan, icha-chat mo pa sa Facebook yung nga ganung eksena.

The thing is, people seem to depend a lot on social media, as if, between them, is only

the stairs and you have to chat them in Facebook. Scenes like that.

H. I am very satisfied with Facebook kasi gaya nga ng sabi ko it makes hard things easy.

I am very satisfied with Facebook because like what I’ve said, it makes hard things

easier

I. No more na, wala naman na.





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I have no more suggestions.

Jiyo Ballesteros 2nd year student

A. I always give updates to my distant family for them to know what are the things I

am doing. Hmm, for them to be updated.

B. Always. Like at least 4 to 6 times a week.

C. Mama and Papa. I think they are the one who needs the updates and also they are

the head of the family. Sooo, yes, Mama and Papa.

D. Facebook and viber. Hmm, i think these two social media site are a lot more easier to

use rather than other sites. Hmm, beside these are the sites that my parents know how

to use.

E. Definitely, yes. Hmm, even that I’m far away from my parents, I can still talk to them

hassle-free without any payment except for my internet connection.... Which is I guess

cheaper.

F. Advantage is easier access.

G. Disadvantages, there is a dramatic decrease in face-to-face communication, hmm,

which I think reduces our generation’s ability to interact with others on a speaking

level.

H. No suggestions because it has many options on communicating with our distant

family like video call etc.





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Joan Mallari 4th Year Student

A.Everytime na may kailangan ako. Like for example may babayaran, ganun, o kaya pag kinapos

ako ng budget. Minsan naman nagpapaalam ako kapag may gala ako. Pinakaimportante talaga is

kapag nagoopen ako ng problems. Feeling ko sila kasi makaktulong sakin eh.

Every time that I fell I need something. Like for example I need to pay something at

school or if I got short on my budget. Sometimes, when I need to ask for their

permission. But the most important thing that we discuss is my problems. I feel that

they are the one who can help me.

B. Every week naguusapan naman kami. May schedule na kasi kami e. Every Friday actually,

since un ung free day ko and sakto din na wala pasok si Mommy sa work. Pero minsan naguusap

din kami sa comments sa Facebook, pero ung formal talaga sa Facebook Messenger.

We talk to each other every week. We actually have our schedule, every Friday.

Since,that is my free day and good thing it is also my mommy’s free day. But sometimes

we also talk in Facebook comment, but the fomal way is by the use of Facebook

messenger.

C. Si Mommy. Siya kasi ung mas demanding eh, kaya siya madalas kong kausap. Ung tipong

kelangan talaga namin magusap at least once a week.

My mother. She is the one who is demanding that’s why she is the one I usually talk to.

D. Facebook, ung videocall ng Facebook. Mommy ko nagdecide na un ang gamitin. Madali lang

daw kasi gamitin saka di ganun kabagal, di siya kumakain ng internet speed.

Through Facebook, Facebook video call. My mother is the one who decided to use that

social media site because for her it is easy to use and fast to use.

E. Oo, di ako naaawkwardan na mag-open sakanya. Di naman kasi ganun ka-formal. Parang





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feeling ko kaibign ko lang din ung kausap ko.

Yes, i really don’t feel any awkwardness to open anything to her. I think because it is

not that formal. So, I fell like I’m just talking to a friend.

F. It’s advantage is that it promotes easy communication with the use of internet. Isang connect

mo lang makakausap mo na ung gusto mo makausap diba?

It’s advantage is that it promotes easy communication with the use of internet. With just

one connect you can already talk to anyone you want to talk to.

G. It’s disadvantage is that it has a limited access kasi kailangan may internet connection ka. Eh

pano pag wala? Edi di na kayo, ‘di ba?

It’s disadvantage is that it has a limited access because you need to have a internet

connection so you could use it. But, what if you don’t have any internet connection

H. Yun na nga, dapat monthly nagbibigay sila ng promo like free access sa facebook, ganun, para

nakikinabang din ung mga di nakaka-avail ng net.

I think they should give promo everyone month, like free internet access through

Facebook.





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Karl Allan Corpuz Permanent Address: Blk 6B Lot 9 James St. Cielito Homes, Caloocan City

Contact Number: 0916-259-21-01

E-mail Address: [email protected]

Education

Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre-Voice Major

University of Sto. Tomas-Espana, Manila

Related coursework: Theatre Arts, Acting, Singing

Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

Far Eastern University-Manila

Related Coursework: Advertising, Drama and Theatre Arts, Journalism, Radio, Television and

Film Production, Photography, Broadcasting, Investigative Journalism, Communication

Research

Competencies

Communication

1. Fluent in English and Filipino

2. Good Communication Skills

Leadership

1. Associate Producer, FEU Radio and Television Production, Unlock Your Luck, 2015

2. Video Editor, FEU Rizal, 2015

3. Film Director, FEU Radio and Television, Singil, 2013

Technical

Basic Skills in MS Office, Adobe Premier, Adobe Photoshop

Production Process (Pre-production, Production, Post-production)

Personal Profile

Nickname: Karl

Height: 5’4‛

Age:22

Birthday: January 3, 1993

Interest and Hobbies: Dancing, Singing, Acting, Video Editing





74

Clarisse Mhei F. Dammay Permanent Address: Blk 17 Lot 9 Ph 1-A Mangga St.

Palmera Homes Novaliches Q.C.

Contact Number: 0926-497-5431


Education





Research

Competencies

Communication



Leadership

1. Production Designer, FEU Theater Production, Agunya, 2013

2. Executive Producer, FEU Film Production, Lipstik, 2014

3. Executive Producer, FEU Television Production, Unluck Your Luck, 2014

Technical


Production Process (Pre-production, Production, Post-production

Personal Profile

Nickname: Chyn

Height: 5’2‛

Age:21

Birthday: May 14, 1993

Interest and Hobbies: Dancing, Singing, Playing Sports





75

Jonine Chloe D. Dela Cruz Permanent Address: #10B Rodriguez Drive, Jordan Valley Subdivision,

Baesa, Quezon City

Contact Number: 0927-576-6321


Education





Research

Competencies

Communication



Leadership

1. Production Designer/Actor, FEU Theatre Production, Doble Kara, 2013

2. Assistant Director, FEU Film Production, Lipstik, 2014

3. Associate Producer, FEU Television Production, Unlock Your Luck, 2014

4. Segment Writer, FEU Television Production, Unlock Your Luck, 2014

Technical

- VTR Playback, Unlock Your Luck



Personal Profile

Nickname: Chloe

Height: 5’3‛

Age: 19

Birthday: June 30, 1995

Interest and Hobbies: Dancing, Singing, HTML editing





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Fretzie V. Falco Permanent Address: 44D- CV Francisco Street, UP Diliman,

Quezon City, Philippines

Contact Number: 09156364425


Education





Research

Competencies

Communication



Leadership

4. Production Manager, FEU Theatre Production, Huling Teatro, 2013

5. Associate Producer, FEU Film Production, Feels Trip Production( Smile), 2014

6. Segment Writer, FEU Television Production, Unlock Your Luck, 2014

Technical



Personal Profile

Nickname: Fretzie

Height: 5’5‛

Age:21

Birthday: January 8, 1994

Interest and Hobbies: Dancing, Watching movies, Singing, Playing Sports





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Jeffrey A. Reyes Permanent Address: 2640 Felix Huertas Blumentritt Sta. Cruz Manila.

Contact Number: 0927 558 1038


Education





Research

Competencies

Communication

1. Good in English and Filipino

2. Good Communication SkillsTechnical

Skills


Production Process (Pre-production, Production, Post-production)

Personal Profile

Nickname: Jeff

Height: 5’8‛

Age: 19

Birthday: August 13, 1995

Interest and Hobbies: Dancing, Singing, Social Networking





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COMMUNICATION PATTERNS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA OF …...APPROVAL SHEET COMMUNICATION PATTERNS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA OF SELECTED FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY MASS COMMUNICATION STUDENTS DISTANT