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Reaction to the news video: NIH study tracks effects of social media on adolescent brains (2018)

There is a difference of brain chemistry to people exposed to social media all the time. In the study conducted, the screen time determines the good feelings of a person. It triggers the reward system of the brain. Beginning from child development to adolescence there should be guidelines, to regulate one’s usage of the social media. The current generation of adolescents grows up in a media-saturated world. Neural development in adolescence and show how can provide a deeper understanding of developmental sensitivities related to adolescents’ media use. Adolescents are highly sensitive to acceptance and rejection through social media, and that their heightened emotional sensitivity and protracted development of reflective processing and cognitive control may make them specifically reactive to emotion-arousing media.

We could understand the mutual influence of media and peers on adolescents’ well-being and opinion formation. In addition to adolescents’ sensitivity to the feeling of belonging to the peer group, the peer group also has a strong influence on opinions and decision-making. Peers can exert a strong influence on adolescents through user-generated content on social media. Co-viewing, sharing, and discussing media content with peers is common practice among adolescents in line with their developmental stage in which peers become more important than others. Adolescent girls often share pictures and comment on ideal body they want to, thus deciding what a normal body should look like. Adolescent brain responds to peer comments about others and self, and subsequent behavioral adjustments and opinion changes. Findings provide important starting points for understanding how adolescents are influenced by peer feedback in an online environment. This video could be an eye-opener for all of us.

         As we all know, many issues are happening now in our country, there’s this threat of the COVID-19 pandemic that still not going well, the signing of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the issue about renaming the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Renewal Franchise of ABS-CBN that is still ongoing in the congress. The controversy started due to the expiration of its congressional franchise on 4 May, 2020. Then a cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission on 5 May, 2020. Many alleged violations were thrown at the media giant, including bias news reporting, broadcasting for a fee and operating a "pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the NTC, the issue about them not paying tax but later on said that has been paying the proper taxes and has no tax liability with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. May 26, 2020, the House holds its first hearing on ABS-CBN's franchise bid, accusing the network of violating several labor practices. Followed by Lopez's American citizenship invalidates his ownership and management of the network operations. On June 30, 2020, the NTC prohibits the broadcasts of its black box channels in Metro manila and on that same day, the hearing addressed the alleged labor violations, others claim that they sued the company for its unfair labor practices. Starting the day of July, the network also announced that the black box will also stop airing outside the Metro. After doing twelfth congress hearings in total, on July 10, 2020 the lawmakers deny embattled media giant bid for a 25-year franchise, with the vote of 70-11.

         In this modern day, you will catch sight of this issue in any social media platform. You will see different opinions coming from different people; you will see good and bad judgement which is inevitable. In this topic, press freedom is also included in this massive issue. The network is fighting for its “Press-Freedom”. They say, here in the country, journalist criticizing the government is perceived as biased. This is why ABS-CBN and other media outlets, have been in trouble and have faced threats of closure, because fearless journalism is the last thing an administration wants. Opinions say that in the end, it is a personal attack by butt hurt politicians that have been criticized by the network.

        My name is Adam, currently a student of Behavioral Science. I’m writing this blog because its one of our requirements in a subject 😂 So basically, my first blog would be about my experiences and insights during the pandemic. Let’s start! 

        As for the current issues on the COVID19 here in the Philippines, March 9, 2020 DOH reports 10 new cases of the COVID19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 24. The Epidemiology Bureau of DOH (Department of Health) is conducting comprehensive contact tracing activities for confirmed cases. DOH is also in coordination with Local Government Units and Centers for Health Development. To help in immediate situations requiring a quick response. With such a series of cases, our Government applies immediate implementation of prevention and control measures. Here in Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong canceled a few of the mass activities such as the Panagbenga and the minor events like the night market and the pedestrianization in session road during Sundays. Preventive measures were applied also in establishments to further lessen the chances of acquiring viruses. Prevent t from spreading. We can never be so sure as to how this COVID19 cases will go. All are advised to practice proper hand hygiene, social distancing, and cough etiquette as reiterated by our Health Chief of DOH. Let us all stay vigilant and updated for the upcoming reports that may come. Sources: (DOH), Philippine Star.