Calm Down Pretty D Ha Laine

ESSAY
“The Dual Impact of Media: Opportunities and Challenges”
Introduction
Media plays a significant role in shaping our lives, offering both opportunities and
challenges. For me, as a high school student, it has been a powerful tool for learning
and connection but also a source of pressure and distraction.
Body
Media provides valuable opportunities for education and self-expression. Online
platforms like YouTube have helped me understand difficult topics, such as algebra,
through accessible tutorials. Social media also allows me to showcase my photography,
connecting me with others who share my interests and boosting my confidence.
Additionally, during crises, media can unite people. When a typhoon struck our area,
local social media groups shared crucial evacuation plans and donation drives,
highlighting the role of media in fostering community support.
However, the challenges brought by media are equally significant. Social media
creates pressure to maintain an idealized image, leading to self-esteem issues. I’ve
personally felt inadequate comparing my life to the edited, polished posts of others.
Fake news is another major problem. A viral post about a supposedly toxic snack
caused panic among my classmates, only to be proven false, underscoring the dangers
of misinformation. Lastly, excessive media use can be a distraction. I’ve struggled with
spending too much time on TikTok and Netflix, often sacrificing study time or family
bonding.
Conclusion
While media offers incredible benefits, it can also negatively impact mental
health, spread misinformation, and disrupt productivity. The key is mindful use—
approaching media critically and setting boundaries. By doing so, we can maximize its
advantages while minimizing its drawbacks, making it a force for good in our lives.
RESEARCH WORK
1. Research a news article in the Philippines (2015 up to present) about an event

that shows the power of media and information to affect change or an event
where media and information was instrumental in making a change.
One significant event highlighting the power of media in the Philippines is the
shutdown of ABS-CBN, the country's largest broadcast network, in 2020. This event
underscores the media's influence and the implications of its suppression on public
information and democracy.
2. Copy and paste the article
"Shutdown of ABS-CBN broadcasting"
The Philippines is touted to have the "freest and liveliest press" in Asia, where
media is considered a watchdog and a "fourth estate" helping to maintain the checks
and balances of democratic governance.
Despite this, the country is consistently ranked as one of the world's most
dangerous countries for journalists. In May 2020, it slipped two spots down to 136th
place (out of 180 countries) in the World Press Freedom Index.
Media watchdogs such as Reporters Without Borders, the Center for Media
Freedom and Responsibility, Amnesty International, the Photojournalists' Center of the
Philippines (PCP), Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP),
and the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation (D&D) have noted that various
forms of attacks against the press have increased since the Duterte administration
came to power in 2016 – with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, news website Rappler,
nonprofit media organizations like Vera Files and the Philippine Center for Investigative
Journalism, and ABS-CBN being particular targets because of coverage critical of the
administration.
Many of these media watchdogs have issued statements placing the ABS-CBN
broadcast stoppage in the context of systemic attacks against press freedom in the
Philippines. Media groups and people's organizations denounced the shutdown order
for being a loss of democracy, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press. Some
groups also placed the matter in the context of attacks and harassment aimed at those
that criticize the government.
3. Cite the source of the news using APA STYLE
Tuazon, R. R. (2015). The Print Media: A Tradition of Freedom. National Commission
for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from
https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-cultural-
disseminationscd/communication/the-print-media-a-tradition-of-freedom/
4. Write a summary and a reaction about the article
Summary:
The article discusses the pivotal role of media in the Philippines as a watchdog
and a "fourth estate" essential for maintaining democratic checks and balances. Despite
this, the country is considered one of the most perilous for journalists, ranking 136th in
the World Press Freedom Index as of May 2020. Under President Duterte's
administration, attacks on the press have intensified, targeting outlets like the Philippine
Daily Inquirer, Rappler, Vera Files, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism,
and notably, ABS-CBN. The shutdown of ABS-CBN is viewed by many media
watchdogs as part of a broader pattern of suppressing press freedom, with various
groups condemning the move as a blow to democracy and freedom of expression.

Reaction:
The shutdown of ABS-CBN serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of
press freedom in the Philippines. As a major source of information for millions, its
closure not only limits public access to diverse viewpoints but also sets a concerning
precedent for other media outlets. The media's role in holding power to account is
indispensable in a democracy, and any action that undermines this function threatens
the very fabric of democratic society. It is imperative for both the government and the
public to recognize and uphold the essential role of a free press in fostering
transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry.
5. Answer the following guide questions
a. What media is important or instrumental in the course of the event?
The broadcast media, specifically ABS-CBN, was central to this event.
b. Why do you think the identified media was instrumental or very important in
this event?
ABS-CBN was one of the largest and most influential media networks in the
Philippines, providing news, entertainment, and public service programs to millions. Its
extensive reach and critical reporting made it a significant player in shaping public
opinion and holding authorities accountable. The shutdown not only silenced a major
source of information but also sent a chilling message to other media outlets about the
potential consequences of critical reporting.
c. Was the outcome a positive or a negative change? Explain your answer.
The outcome was largely negative. The shutdown of ABS-CBN curtailed press
freedom, reduced media plurality, and limited the public's access to diverse information
sources. It also raised concerns about the government's commitment to upholding
democratic principles and the protection of journalists. While some may argue that it
prompted discussions on media ownership and regulation, the overall impact was a
setback for press freedom and democratic discourse in the country.

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ESSAY

“The Dual Impact of Media: Opportunities and Challenges”

and connection but also a source of pressure and distraction.

Media provides valuable opportunities for education and self-expression. Online

through accessible tutorials. Social media also allows me to showcase my photography,

connecting me with others who share my interests and boosting my confidence.

highlighting the role of media in fostering community support.

creates pressure to maintain an idealized image, leading to self-esteem issues. I’ve

1. Research a news article in the Philippines (2015 up to present) about an event

2. Copy and paste the article

"Shutdown of ABS-CBN broadcasting"

and balances of democratic governance.

place (out of 180 countries) in the World Press Freedom Index.

Freedom and Responsibility, Amnesty International, the Photojournalists' Center of the

Philippines (PCP), Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP),

that criticize the government.

3. Cite the source of the news using APA STYLE

Tuazon, R. R. (2015). The Print Media: A Tradition of Freedom. National Commission

for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from

4. Write a summary and a reaction about the article

and notably, ABS-CBN. The shutdown of ABS-CBN is viewed by many media

watchdogs as part of a broader pattern of suppressing press freedom, with various

groups condemning the move as a blow to democracy and freedom of expression.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of

transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry.

5. Answer the following guide questions

a. What media is important or instrumental in the course of the event?

The broadcast media, specifically ABS-CBN, was central to this event.

potential consequences of critical reporting.

c. Was the outcome a positive or a negative change? Explain your answer.

sources. It also raised concerns about the government's commitment to upholding

setback for press freedom and democratic discourse in the country.

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