1

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

This study focuses on how freedom of expression affects the life of

selected senior high school students of National Christian Life College S.Y.

2017-2018. The researchers will focus on how the selected students

perceive freedom of expression online and how this affects the

participants.

Freedom of expression is a principle that supports the freedom of an

individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without

fear of retaliation, censorship, or sanction. Freedom of expression is

recognized as a human right under article 19 of the Universal Declaration

of Human Rights (UDHR) and recognized in international human rights

law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Article 19 of the UDHR states that "everyone shall have the right to hold

opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to

freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and

impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either

orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media

of his choice".1

The same rules and concept of freedom of expression can also be

applied online. Hence, freedom of expression on the Internet can be simply

 2

defined as the freedom of a person to post what he/she wants to express

through any means.

Freedom of expression may not be recognized as being absolute, and

common limitations to freedom of speech relate to libel, slander, obscenity,

pornography, sedition, incitement, fighting words, classified information,

copyright violation, trade secrets, food labeling, non-disclosure

agreements, the right to privacy, the right to be forgotten, public security,

and perjury.2

Most people also confuse freedom of expression and freedom

of speech. In a sense, both are quite synonymous, but according to Om

Kumare, freedom of speech is about the freedom of speaking about

anything which is in the form of speech, whether oral or written, but

backed by good logic, rationality and reasonability, and speaker must

think that it is defendable, and this is what the freedom of speech means.

Freedom of expression, is a right to expression even without speech,

whatever you like to speak through expressions, like paintings, fictitious

novels (fictions), cartoons, films, dramas, or say abuses, protests or any

other art form or unclear or logically baseless action or speech. As arts

and baseless speech is not perfectly based on logic and rationality, and

based on some kind of expression which may be suggestive to rationality

and logic, though not clearly actually so, but just an expression, is

considered to be freedom of expression.3

 3

With this in mind, it can then be inferred that millions of people

online express themselves every minute through the use of social media

websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube. Since social

media websites have been a fair part of every people’s lives, it cannot be

denied that the use of freedom of expression online can then affect a

person’s life. An example of this is the Million People March that was

conducted amidst the controversy regarding the Property Development

Assistance Fund (PDAF) also known as pork barrel. A Facebook page was

created with the sole purpose of spreading a propaganda to abolish pork

barrel and to empower the Filipino people to fight for their rights.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effects of freedom of expression on

the Internet to the lives of the selected participants from National

Christian Life College.

Specifically, this research sought to answer the following

questions:

1. What is the profile of the participants in terms of;

1.1 Gender

1.2 Age

1.3 Strand

1.4 Grade Level

2. How does the participants view freedom of expression on

the Internet?
 4

3. What are the positive effects of freedom of expression

online to the life of the selected participants?

4. What are the negative effects of freedom of expression

online to the life of the selected participants?

5. What are the suggestions and recommendations that can

help improve the responsible use of freedom of expression on

the Internet?

Assumption of the Study

This study was anchored on the assumption that the participants

were honest and objective in answering the questions.

Significance of the Study

The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following;

Teachers. The given data would guide the teachers on what to do

with the students who experience problems with relations to freedom of

expression on the Internet. Aside from that, the results will help the

teachers to educate the students on how to use their freedom to express

more responsibly.

Students. The results will provide the students with some

knowledge about freedom of expression and the Internet and how some

problems on the cyber platform can be avoided. It will give the students a

realization that the misuse of freedom of expression on the Internet is not

useful to both the student and the people aware of what the student

expressed online. Aside from that, the students will also determine how to
 5

be responsible with what they express online and how helpful freedom of

expression is when used responsibly. At the end of this study, the students

would finally know why freedom of expression online have been a major

problem to the society.

Parents. The study will help parents formulate preventive measures

to help their children from using freedom of expression online wrongly.

The findings would also help the parents to understand how freedom of

expression online can both be beneficial and disadvantageous to someone.

Society. The results of the study will be educational to the people

of the society and they will be able to gain more knowledge about freedom

of expression online and therefore, using it responsibly.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The scope of the study focuses on the effects of freedom of

expression online to the lives of selected senior high school students of

National Christian Life College. Teaching and non-teaching staffs of the

school could also help with the progress of the study furthermore.

Definition of Terms

The following are some of the important terms use in the study.

Freedom of expression. It is an expression which may or may not be

supported by logic, rationality, and be just an expression of emotions,

which can be curtailed, punished and banned.

Freedom of speech. Statements or ideas well supported by logic, can

either be printed, written or spoken out.

 6

Libel. a published false statement that is damaging to a person's

reputation; a written defamation.

Slander. The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging

to a person's reputation.

Obscenity. an extremely offensive word or expression.

Pornography. Printed or visual material containing the explicit

description or display of sexual organs or activity, intended to stimulate

erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings.

Sedition. Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority

of a state or monarch.

Incitement. The action of provoking unlawful behavior or urging someone

to behave unlawfully.

Copyright violation. The use of works protected by copyright law without

permission.

Perjury. The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having

taken an oath or affirmation.

Literature. Books and writings published on a particular subject.

Methodology. A system of methods used in a particular area of study or

activity.

Conceptual Framework

This study aims to analyze what freedom of expression on the

internet does to a person’s life. The researchers are focused on finding out
 7

what the different effects of freedom of expression online are, whether

positive or not.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1.Demographic
profile: Gather
1.1 Gender Information
through the
1.2 Age
use of survey
questionnaire The Effects of
1.3 Strand
Freedom of
1.4 Grade Level Expression on
the Internet
to the Life of
2. How does Selected
the Senior High
participants Survey School
perceive questionnaire Students of
freedom of National
expression Christian Life
online? College S.Y.
2017-2018
3. How does
the
participants Survey
use freedom of questionnaire
expression
online?

Feedback

Figure 1

A Paradigm that Shows the Process of Determining the Effects of

Freedom of Expression on the Internet

 8

NOTES
 9

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES AND LITERATURE

This chapter presents the different studies and literature which were

found to have significance to the present study. The materials utilized in

the study include foreign and local studies and literature.

Local Studies

According to the research paper, The Effects of Social Networking

Sites on Students’ Academic Performance in Lyceum of the Philippines –

Laguna, conceived by Isaac M. Morallo, MA IctPR, there is no significant

relationship between Social Networking Sites (SNSs) usage and student

academic performance. In the survey they conducted, majority of the

respondents are female, 16-19 years old, from the College of Engineering

and College of Arts and Sciences and have Facebook or SNSs account. The

established effects show that SNSs decrease students’ study time and

increase leisure time. They use SNSs mainly for non-academic purposes

or entertainment activities and for communicating with friends and

classmates about school work and assignments. The student academic

performance in terms of GPA of the First Semester School Year 2012-2013

shows that the mean GPA ranges from 2.0 to 1.50, which is equivalent to

87 to 95 percent.1

The perceived effects of SNSs to the students’ academic performance

show that SNSs contribute in the attainment of higher grade by interacting

online about school work. The results show that there is no significant
 10

relationship between SNSs usage and student academic performance

because correlation coefficients show a negative relationship between

SNSs use and academic performance. The probability result has a very

small average of correlation thus, the study found a negligible relationship

between SNSs and academic performance.2

It is therefore imperative that the student use of SNSs is a way of

life and serves as a powerful tool for social interaction. Furthermore, the

improvement in the student grade relies on all other factors within the

teaching learning process and could not be attributed to the use of SNS

alone. On the other hand, it is found out that the proper and reasonable

use of SNSs could help the students in one way or another in their

assignments, class discussions and interactions with their instructors.3

The research paper conducted by Ma. Regina M. Hechanova of

Ateneo de Manila University states that expression, interaction and basic

Internet use were predictive of both positive and negative outcomes.

According to Grohol (1999), people spend the greatest time online with

activities having to do with social interactions. He cited that socialization

makes the Internet “addicting.” On the other hand, the results of the

survey they conducted shows that there is also a positive side to social

networking which is personal enhancement.4

The survey conducted had equal representation from the

Philippines’ four major island regions – the National Capital Region, Luzon,

Visayas and Mindanao. Fifty-six percent of respondents were female. The

 11

age of respondents ranged from 13 to 70 years. Forty-four percent of

respondents were employed, 36 percent were students, and 20 percent

were unemployed wherein Internet use was typically 5-9 hours per week.5

In addition, whereas past studies tended to focus on problematic

outcome of the Internet, the study highlights both positive and negative

outcomes. Results show that the Internet use has benefits including

greater productivity and personal enhancement. However, when carried to

the extreme, Internet use can also lead to social harm and addictive

tendencies.

Foreign Studies

A dissertation about freedom of expression on the Internet affirms

that there are numerous international, national and self-regulatory

documents recognizing the right to freedom of expression as a universal

and fundamental human right. However, the interpretation thereof varies

from country to country and from case to case. It is therefore, fist

important that this right is interpreted in an unambiguous manner.6

In order for the state to fulfil their task in protecting right to freedom

of expression, states should be more active in promoting the right not only

within their territories, but globally as well. They should refrain from

limiting any individual in exercising the right unless it is necessary in

order to protect prevailing interest. Additionally, this interest has to be a

legitimate interest important for every democratic society. In order to fulfil

negative and positive obligations towards this human right, as defined by

 12

the European Convention, they also need to advocate for development and

improvement of democratic institutions worldwide. They should be

unanimous in the stand the freedom of expression is essential

precondition for every open society. Therefore, there is a need for adoption

of a binding international document that would secure the respect of the

right and enable every individual to exercise it without illegitimate

interference.7

The study conceived by Donald K. Wright and Michelle D. Hinson,

tackles how blogs and social media are changing public relations. The

results of their study show that about two-thirds believe that blogs and

social media have enhanced what happens in public relations and that

social media and traditional mainstream media complement each other.

More than half of the study’s respondents believe the emergence of blogs

and social media have changed the way their organizations communicate.

Findings suggest these changes are more prominent in external than

internal communications.8

Many believe social media complement traditional news media, and

an even higher number think blogs and social media influence coverage in

traditional news media. Most believe blogs and social media have made

communications more instantaneous because they encourage

organizations to respond more quickly to criticism.9

Results clearly show traditional news media receive higher scores

than blogs and social media in terms of accuracy, credibility, telling the
 13

truth and being ethical. Findings also show that 75 percent expect

traditional news media to be honest, tell the truth and be ethical, but only

44 percent hold these same expectations for blogs and other social

media.10

Local Literature

An article was written on Rappler about how human rights

defenders and civil society organizations (CSOs) urged Filipinos to defy

threats to freedom of expression despite the amid proliferation of fake news

and propaganda on social media.

In a statement released on International Human Rights Day, groups

and advocates who gathered in the Freedom of Expression Conference

(FreeXP.con) expressed alarm over instances where government officials

have attempted to intimidate the media or clamp down on dissent.11

The groups added that libel provisions under Republic Act No.

10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and Senate Bill No. 1492

or the Anti-Fake News Act of 2017 further threaten freedom of

expression.12

According to an article, Mr. Max de Mesa, the chairperson of the

Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), made a stark

comparison between human dignity and human rights. “Human Dignity is

the origin of Human Rights,” Mr. de Mesa says, “therefore, one can say

that Human Rights are developments from Human Dignity.” In the advent

of internet technology, social communication using the internet became

 14

the frontier of daily communication, collaboration and networking. He

then quotes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, focusing on the

preamble whose first statement is: “Whereas recognition of the inherent

dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human

family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”13

Human Rights, therefore, is vital, crucial, and decisive. Mr. de Mesa

closes by citing laws that protect the Filipinos’ Online rights, specifically

on the freedom of expression; naming the International Covenant on Civil

and Political Rights Article 19 General Comment 34, Paragraph 43; United

Nations Special Rapporteur: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the

promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and

expression, Mr. Frank La Rue; and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012,

which was signed earlier this year. Among the topics tackled in the

discussion were internet traffic discrimination, the statutes from the

Cybercrime Law that require amendments, and the need for open,

permissionless internet access; which was followed by an open forum.14

Foreign Literature

An article about the UNESCO facilitation meeting on WSIS Action

Line C9 Media at WSIS Forum 2012 in Geneva on 14 May 2012 tackles

the occurrences that happened during the event. It states that the meeting

focused on promoting freedom of expression on Internet and social media

and UNESCO took the opportunity to promote its Internet freedom

 15

publication “Freedom of Connection, Freedom of Expression: The

Changing Legal and Regulatory Ecology Shaping the Internet”.

Panelists suggested that freedom of expression needs to be promoted

with legitimate limitations and in balance with other digital rights within

an expanded legal and regulatory framework. Civil society stakeholders

pointed out the challenge to deal with liability of intermediaries and

governmental surveillance which might undermine freedom of expression,

and particularly observed a trend that business interest are increasingly

protected for the reason of copyright by developed countries, with freedom

of expression and free flow of information sacrificed.15

UNESCO has committed itself to enabling a free, open and

accessible Internet space as part of promoting comprehensive Freedom of

Expression online and offline and believes these discussions will

contribute to WSIS review process particularly on exploring human rights

implications of ICTs.16

Another article talks about how guaranteed freedom of expression is

in the cyber platform. Fear of the government will also constrain Internet

censorship. Critics want to make Internet companies into public utilities

because alt-right extremists have been denied service. Imagine what would

happen if more legitimate voices were evicted from Google and the federal

government responded by forcing the companies to behave better. The

Internet giants operate globally, subjecting them to European regulations

that offer less protection for free speech than does the United States.
 16

Europeans punish speech offensive to groups or religions (so-called “hate

speech”) that we protect. American law draws the liberty line for speech at

incitement to violence.17

Internet companies are not the government. They can exclude

speech from their domains without violating the First Amendment. But if

they use their power to exclude in an arbitrary and political way, the nation

will be worse off and the companies may suffer — and not just at the

bottom line.

Justification of the Study

Internet certainly has many good and bad effects as proven by the

previous studies mentioned. But despite that, Internet has one distinct

feature that sets it apart from all other medias: Its accessibility to

everyone. A lot of articles proves the point that freedom of expression on

the Internet is an inherent right of everyone, but that right has been

abused recently. The methodology used in one of the studies was

outdated because some of the stated questions with facts is not viable

today therefore, employing a new methodology in our research is a must.

A lot of the mentioned studies tackled about the effects of Internet usage

and the boundaries that set the freedom of expression online but none has

yet to research about the effects of freedom of expression online.

 17

Notes

1. Morallo, Isaac (2014). A research paper on the effects of social

networking sites on students’ academic performance in

Lyceum of the Philippines – Laguna. Retrieved from

http://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-

content/uploads/2014/08/GSRJ-EFFECTS-OF-SOCIAL-

NETWORKING-SITES

2. Morallo, Isaac (2014). A research paper on the effects of social

networking sites on students’ academic performance in

Lyceum of the Philippines – Laguna. Retrieved from

http://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-

content/uploads/2014/08/GSRJ-EFFECTS-OF-SOCIAL-

NETWORKING-SITES

3. Morallo, Isaac (2014). A research paper on the effects of social

networking sites on students’ academic performance in

Lyceum of the Philippines – Laguna. Retrieved from

http://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-

content/uploads/2014/08/GSRJ-EFFECTS-OF-SOCIAL-

NETWORKING-SITES

4. Hechanova, Ma. Gina (2014). The Good, The Bad and the Ugly:

Internet Use, Outcomes and the Role of Regulation in the

Philippines, a research paper. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264040192_The_
 18

Good_The_Bad_and_the_Ugly_Internet_Use_Outcomes_and_t

he_Role_of_Regulation_in_the_Philippines

5. Hechanova, Ma. Gina (2014). The Good, The Bad and the Ugly:

Internet Use, Outcomes and the Role of Regulation in the

Philippines, a research paper. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264040192_The_

Good_The_Bad_and_the_Ugly_Internet_Use_Outcomes_and_t

he_Role_of_Regulation_in_the_Philippines

6. Ruzic, Nevena (2008). A dissertation about freedom of expression on

the Internet. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/file.PostFileLoader.html?id=5

7c10f5ef7b67e73423ad5a1&assetKey=AS%3A399544220176

385%401472270173805

7. Ruzic, Nevena (2008). A dissertation about freedom of expression on

the Internet. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/file.PostFileLoader.html?id=5

7c10f5ef7b67e73423ad5a1&assetKey=AS%3A399544220176

385%401472270173805

8. Hinson, Michelle D., Wright, Donald K. (2008). A research paper on

how blogs and social media are changing public relations and

the way it is practiced. Retrieved from

http://apps.prsa.org/searchresults/6D020203/0/How_Blog

s_and_Social_Media_are_Changing_Public_Rel
 19

9. Hinson, Michelle D., Wright, Donald K. (2008). A research paper on

how blogs and social media are changing public relations and

the way it is practiced. Retrieved from

http://apps.prsa.org/searchresults/6D020203/0/How_Blog

s_and_Social_Media_are_Changing_Public_Rel

10. Hinson, Michelle D., Wright, Donald K. (2008). A research paper

on how blogs and social media are changing public relations

and the way it is practiced. Retrieved from

http://apps.prsa.org/searchresults/6D-

020203/0/How_Blogs_and_Social_Media_are_Changing_Public_Rel

11. (2017, December 10). Freedom of expression 'under siege' in PH,

say human rights groups. Retrieved from

https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/190974-freedom-

expression-under-siege-philippines-human-rights-groups

12. (2017, December 10). Freedom of expression 'under siege' in PH,

say human rights groups. Retrieved from

https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/190974-freedom-

expression-under-siege-philippines-human-rights-groups

13. Launch of the Philippine Declaration on Internet Rights and

Principles. Retrieved from http://www.dict.gov.ph/launch-of-

the-philippine-declaration-on-internet-rights-and-principles/
 20

14. Launch of the Philippine Declaration on Internet Rights and

Principles. Retrieved from http://www.dict.gov.ph/launch-of-

the-philippine-declaration-on-internet-rights-and-principles/

15. Freedom of Expression on Internet and Social media. Retrieved from

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-

information/unesco-and-wsis/implementation-and-follow-

up/wsis-forum/wsis-forum-2012/freedom-of-expression-on-

internet-and-social-media-action-line-c9-media/

16. Freedom of Expression on Internet and Social media. Retrieved

from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-

information/unesco-and-wsis/implementation-and-follow-

up/wsis-forum/wsis-forum-2012/freedom-of-expression-on-

internet-and-social-media-action-line-c9-media/

17. Samples, John (2017, August 19). So, just how guaranteed is

your freedom of expression online?. Retrieved from

https://nypost.com/2017/08/19/so-just-how-guaranteed-

is-your-freedom-of-speech-online/

18. Samples, John (2017, August 19). So, just how guaranteed is your

freedom of expression online?. Retrieved from

https://nypost.com/2017/08/19/so-just-how-guaranteed-

is-your-freedom-of-speech-online/
 21

CHAPTER 3

Methods and Procedure

This chapter includes the research method used, subject of the

study and sampling design, sampling techniques and statistical treatment

of the gathered by the researchers.

Methods of Research Used

To provide detailed information and understanding of the study, the

descriptive method of research was used by the researchers. Descriptive

method of research is a fact finding study with adequate and accurate

interpretation of the Internet to the virtual life of selected senior high

school students. This also serves as the basis of decision making and

remedial for the existing problems.

Participants of the Study

The study was directed to the participants with the total number of

twenty-two (22) participants who study at National Christian Life College.

These participants helped the researchers in determining the effects of

freedom of expression on the Internet to virtual life of selected senior high

school students.

Sampling Technique

The research utilized the convenient sampling technique, a type of

non-probability sampling which involves the sample being drawn from that

part of the population which is close to hand. That is, a sample population

selected because it is readily available and convenient. The researchers,

 22

used such a sample, cannot scientifically make generalizations about the

total population from this sample because it would not be representative

enough. The sample was chosen in the selected senior high school

students of National Christian Life College with the total number of twenty-

two (22) participants,

Data Gathering Instrument

The study gathered data through the use of the researcher-made

questionnaire.

The questionnaire was divided into three (3) parts; Part I contains

questions regarding the profile of the participants. Part II contains the

assessment of the selected senior high school students with regards to

freedom of expression on the Internet. Part III contains the suggestion/s

and recommendation/s of the participants.

The questionnaire was used to gather qualitative data which was

transformed into the quantitative form using a Likert scale to facilitate

analysis. The survey questionnaires were distributed to the participants of

the study.

The scaling system and interpretation scale that was used in the

second part of the survey questionnaire to assess the opinions of the

participants towards freedom of expression on the Internet are as follows:

 23

Mean Verbal Interpretation

4.50 – 5.00 Strongly Agree

3.50 – 4.49 Agree

2.50 – 3.49 Fair

1.50 – 2.49 Disagree

Strongly Disagree
1.00 – 1.49

Then, another scaling system and interpretation scale that was used

in the second part of the survey questionnaire to assess the actions of the

participants on the online platform are as follows:

Mean Verbal Interpretation

4.50 – 5.00 Always

3.50 – 4.49 Often

2.50 – 3.49 Sometimes

1.50 – 2.49 Seldom

1.00 – 1.49 Never

The survey was constructed in such a way that it could answer all

questions raised in the statement of the problem.

A personal letter created by the researchers were addressed to the

participants requesting them to answer the questionnaire to the best of

their ability and with utmost honesty.

Validation of the Instruments

 24

The researchers approached the adviser for comments and

suggestions regarding the current study. A statistics expert validated the

statistical treatment used for the questionnaire. Also, Expert in English

validated the questionnaire for its grammar. The questionnaire was

administered to three (3) people who were not included in the final

administration of the questionnaire.

Data Gathering Procedure

First, the researchers chose the participants from the selected senior

high school students of National Christian Life College. The researcher

secured the written permission from the Adviser of Practical Research I.

After the approval, a personal letter of the researcher was addressed to the

participants requesting them to answer the questionnaire.

Then, the researchers personally administered the questionnaire to

the participants. The instrument contains needed data to assess effects of

freedom of expression on the Internet to the selected senior high school

students. The survey runs in three consecutive days at National Christian

Life College.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The researchers utilized used statistical measures in analyzing the

data gathering and computed frequency and percentages and tabulation

for grouping and tallying of various responses.

The formula employed in the study was applicable to all questions

made in the study. The computations were as follows:

 25

1. Percentage. The simple percentage was used to determine the

distribution of the responses prior to the ranking data.2

f
%= x 100
n
Wherein:

% = Percentage

f = Frequency

n = Number of Participants

2. Mean. It is used to determine the average of a set of quantities. 3

∑ xi
x=
n

Wherein: x = Mean

∑xi = the sum of scores

n = Number of Participants

3. Standard Deviation. It is used to determine the quantity calculated to

indicate the extent of deviation for a group as a whole.4

sd = ∑ (x – x )2
n–1

Wherein: sd = Standard Deviation

x = Mean

x = Scores

n = Number of Participants
 26

NOTES
1 Rosita de Guzman-Santos and Teofilo A. de Guzman, Statistics, (Manila:

CEU, 2007), 8-10.

2 Santos and de Guzman, 22-23.

3 Santos and de Guzman, 29-30.

4 Santos and de Guzman, 35-36.

 27

CHAPTER 4

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

This chapter is primarily concerned with the analysis and

interpretation of data gathered from the students of National Christian Life

College.

The analysis and interpretation of the data are presented in

accordance with the problem presented in Chapter One. All analysis and

interpretation were based on the tables, which contain the result of the

data gathered.

1. Profile of the Participants

To come up with the profile of the participants, gender, age, strand

they are taking and grade level were gathered.

1.1 Gender. As regards to gender, seven (7) or sixty-eight percent

(68%) of male and fifteen (15) or thirty-two percent (32%) are female

participants. This is an indication that most female participants spend

their time in the Internet.

1.2 Age. Age must be considered because it might be a significant

factor in determining the effects of freedom of expression on the Internet.

Table 1 shows the age group of the subjects ranged from 16 to above 19

years old. The age group from 16 got the sample population of six (6) and

percentage of twenty-seven (27%). The second age group is 17 years old

with thirteen (13) participants or fifty-nine percent (59%) of the sample

population. Next is the age group of 18 years old with two (2) or nine
 28

percent (9%) of sample population. Last is the age group of 19 and above

comprising of one (1) or five percent (5%) of the 22 participants.

Table 1

Frequency and Percentage Distribution

of the Participants According to Age
Age f %

16 and below 6 27.0

17 13 59.0

18 2 9.0

19 and above 1 5.0

Total 20 100.0

Majority of the participants are seventeen-year-old students.

1.3 Strand. Table 2 shows the frequency and percentage

distribution of participants in terms of the strand they are taking up. The

highest percentage is the participants who are taking up Science,

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with twenty-seven

percent (27%), followed by Accountancy and Business Management (ABM)

students with twenty-three percent (23%). Next are the participants who

took the strands Home Economics (HE) and Information, Communication

and Technology (ICT) which tied up with the percentage of eighteen (18%)

and Humanities and Social Science students got only fourteen percent

(14%) of the total sample population.

 29

Table 2

Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the

Participants According to Strand
Strand f %

ABM 5 23.0

HumSS 3 14.0

STEM 6 27.0

HE 4 18.0

ICT 4 18.0

Total 22 100.0

It shows that majority of the students with constant Internet

connection are from the strand of STEM.

1.4 Grade Level. Table 3 shows the frequency and percentage

distribution of the participants according to grade level. It reveals that

participants were given equal opportunity to participate in this study. Most

of the participants were grade 11, comprising seventy-three percent (73%)

of the sample population. Meanwhile, grade 12 students comprised of

twenty-seven (27%).
 30

Table 3

Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the

Participants According to Grade Level
Grade Level f %

Grade 11 16 73.0

Grade 12 6 27.0

Total 22 100.0

The result shows that the majority of the participants are from grade

11.

This attributed the fact that

2. The Assessment of the students who study in National Christian

Life College

Table 4 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of the

participants in terms of the amount of time they spend online. The

assessment of the participants resulted that majority of the participants

spend more than 3 hours online with the percentage of seventy-three

(73%). Twenty-three percent (23%) of the participants spend 1-2 hours

online. The remaining four percent (4%) of the participants answered that

they spend 2-3 hours on social media websites.

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Table 4

Frequency and Percentage Distribution of the

Participants According to the amount of time they spend online
Amount of Time f %

Below 1 hour 0 0.0

1-2 hours 5 23.0

2-3 hours 1 4.0

More than 3 hours 16 73.0

Total 22 100.0

In accordance to the survey, the researchers found out that seventy-

seven percent (77%) of the sample population still find ways to use social

media websites despite being at school. The remaining twenty-three

percent (23%) answered that they don’t find the need to use social media

websites when they are at school.

Another observed outcome is what most participants tend to share

or post online. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of the sample population

answered that they tend to post their thoughts, ideas and opinions online.

Next are the participants who answered that they like to post about photos

or videos of themselves with the percentage of fifty-five (55%). There are

also students who tend to share the music they like online with the

percentage of 18 (18%). Forty-five percent (45%) of the sample population

also answered that they only share links or news that they find interesting.
 32

Based on the survey gathered by the researchers, sixty-eight percent

(68%) answered they feel a lot more confident in speaking out their

opinions because they got used to expressing themselves on the Internet.

Fifty percent (50%) of the participants answered that they feel a lot more

confident in terms of their physical appearance because of the positive

feedback that they receive online. The participants who answered that

their level of confidence was reduced because of the relentless criticisms

of people online were twenty-three percent (23%) of the sample population.

Meanwhile, thirty-six percent (36%) of the participants answered that the

level of their confidence is entire independent with their use of the Internet.

The data gathered by the researcher also resulted in the outcome

that eighty-six percent (86%) of the participants felt that they were able to

perform well in school because they have become adept in expressing their

opinions with the use of social media websites. Nine percent (9%) of the

sample population answered that their assignments were marked with low

grades because of the misleading information they see posted on the

Internet by various people and groups. And there were participants that

answered that they would sometimes procrastinate because they would

rather post what they like than do their assignments with the percentage

of eighteen percent (18%).

The participants’ assessment regarding freedom of expression is

categorized below.
 33

2.1 Thoughts about Freedom of Expression. The thoughts of the

participants regarding freedom of expression should be identified in order

to fully assess the effects of freedom of expression to the lives of the

selected participants.

Table 5

The Participants’ Assessment in terms of their Perception about Freedom

of Expression on the Internet
X Sd Verbal
Interpretation
Social media is a privileged space for 4.05 5.32 Agree
freedom of expression

It is easier to participate in discussions in 4.25 6.28 Agree

social media than in person

Freedom of expression on the cyber 3.32 3.05 Fair

platform trains you to be a more
responsible person

Freedom of expression online allows the 3.14 5.76 Fair

dissemination of fake news and cyber
bullying

Seeing other people express themselves 3.41 3.35 Fair

online makes you more confident to
express yourself tool.

Expressing yourself online helps you relax. 4.05 5.32 Agree

Based on the table 5, it shows that the majority of the participants

agreed that social media is a privileged space for freedom of expression

having a computed mean of four point zero five (4.05). The participants
 34

agreed that it is easier to participate in discussions in social media than

in person with a computed mean of four point twenty-five (4.25). The

participants also remained in a fair position whether freedom of expression

on the cyber platform trains them to be a more responsible person with a

computed mean of three point thirty-two (3.32). The participants also

remained in a fair position whether freedom of expression allows the

dissemination of fake news and cyber bullying having a computed mean

of three point fourteen (3.14). Having a computed mean of three point

forty-one, the participants remained in a neutral position whether seeing

other people express themselves online makes them more confident in

expressing themselves too. The participants agreed that expressing

themselves online helps them relax having a computed mean of four point

zero five (4.05)

2.2 Actions of the Participants regarding Freedom of Expression on

the Internet. The actions of the participants are highly significant to the

definite assessment of the effects of freedom of expression on the lives of

the participants.
 35

Table 6

The Participants’ Assessment in terms of their actions with relations to

Freedom of Expression on the Internet
X Sd Verbal
Interpretation
When there is a subject that moves you, do 3.09 4.16 Often
you use social media to express your points
of view?

Have you ever experienced being cyber- 2.64 3.44 Sometimes

bullied because of what you shared online?

When other people post offending 2.86 4.31 Sometimes

messages/videos/photos online, you are
pushed to speak out and correct the
wrongdoings of people

Have you ever shared news/blogs that you 2.60 3.78 Sometimes
later found out were all ‘made-up’ and fake?

When you read a hate post, you do 2.50 2.88 Sometimes

something about it. (e.g. reporting the post,
etc.)

Have you ever been misled by fake 3.09 4.98 Sometimes

news/blogs/posts?

As per table 6, it reveals that when there is a subject that moves the

participants, they often express their point of views because of the mean

score three point zero nine (3.09). Having a mean score of two point sixty-

four (2.65). The participants sometimes experience cyber bullying because

of what they share online. The participants also sometimes speak out or

correct the wrongdoings of other people when they see offensive messages

having the mean score of two point eighty-six (2.86). The participants also
 36

sometimes do something about a hate post (e.g. reporting the post, etc.)

having the mean score of two point five (2.5). The participants also

answered that they sometimes get misled by fake news/blogs/posts online

having the mean score of three point zero nine (3.09).

4. Suggestions/Recommendations of the Participants.

For a lot more responsible use of freedom of expression on the

Internet and to avoid online problems with relations to freedom of

expression, the participants’ suggestions and recommendations are highly

valued.
 37

Table 7

Suggestions/Recommendations of the Participants

to use Freedom of Expression on the Internet more responsibly
Suggestions/Recommendations f %

Avoid harsh or manipulative words in speaking

18 81.82
up virtually

Verify any post you see online to avoid being

19 86.36
misled

When making claims online, make sure to

support your post with facts in order to avoid 18 81.82
spreading false information.

Make sure that your posts are decent and

19 86.36
inoffensive

When seeing people who overstep their

boundaries in posting, be the person who corrects 15 68.18
their wrongdoing.

Do not use social media as a means of 16 72.73

disseminating black propagandas.
Do not fight with other people online. 19 86.36

Make sure to use freedom of expression online 17 77.27

responsibly.

Based on table 7, the first recommendation of the participants is to

verify any post that people see online to avoid being misled with the

frequency of nineteen (19) or eighty-six point thirty-six percent (86.36%).

The recommendation to make sure posts are decent and inoffensive tied

in the first with the frequency of nineteen (19) or eighty-six point thirty-

six percent (86.36%). Next is the suggestion to not fight with other people

which also tied in first with the frequency of nineteen (19) or eighty-six
 38

point thirty-six percent (86.36%). The participants also suggested that

when making claims online people need to make sure to support their

post with facts in order to avoid spreading false information with the

frequency of eighteen (18) or eighty-one point eighty-two percent

(81.82%). The participants also suggested to avoid harsh or manipulative

words in speaking up virtually with the frequency of eighteen (18) or

eighty-one point eighty-two percent (81.82%)

Most of the participants suggested that the responsible use of

freedom of expression online solely relies on the individuals who use the

Internet. They also suggested that fighting with people online is useless

because it only results into further misunderstandings.

 39

CHAPTER 5

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

This chapter presents the summary and conclusions based on data

gathered, analyzed and interpreted. Likewise, recommendations were

made to ensure the responsible use of freedom of expression on the

Internet.

Summary of Findings

This study aims to verify how freedom of expression on the Internet

affects an individual.

After thorough analysis of data, the following findings were

delivered:

1. Profile of the Participants

Most female participants have constant Internet connection

Most participants are from the strand of STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics)

Age must be considered because it might affect the maturity level of

the participants.

2. The Assessment of the Participants from National Christian Life

College

2.1 Perception towards freedom of expression online. How the

participants perceive freedom of expression online is a significant

determiner to its effects.

 40

2.2 Actions of the participants with relation to freedom of expression

online. A person’s action directly affects the outcomes of the study as to

what the effects of freedom of expression online are.

3. Participants’ Suggestions and Recommendations

For the improvement of an individual’s self-concept, and their way

of interacting socially with others, the researchers asked for suggestions

and recommendations from the participants.

Conclusions

Based on the summary of findings, the following conclusions were

drawn:

The participants are mostly composed of females and are taking up

the STEM strand within the age of 17 years old.

The participants agree to the point of view that freedom of expression

on the Internet is a privilege for most people. They also fairly think that

freedom of expression online trains them to be a more responsible with

what they want to express because they are aware that they are dealing

with an extremely larger audience. Aside from that, the participants agreed

that they find it easier to express themselves on the Internet than in real

life, thus agreeing that freedom of expression is actually affecting their

level of confidence.

Being able to express themselves online causes the participants to

feel a sense of ease and relaxation. Based on the results, more than half

of the participants answered that they feel a lot more confident when
 41

expressing themselves because they got used to it when using social media

websites. Also, more than half of the participants answered that they feel

a lot more confident when it comes to their physical appearance because

of the positive feedback of the people online. The outcome also suggested

that the participants were able to participate actively and willingly thanks

to being trained to express themselves easily online.

Meanwhile, based on the outcome, only few of the participants

experience the negative side of freedom of expression on the Internet. A

few of the participants answered that they were sometimes cyber bullied

because of what they express online and that they sometimes encounter

fake news, information or blog that they once thought were true.

The participants are willing to give their suggestions and

recommendations to ensure the responsible use of freedom of expression

in the Internet.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions of the study the following

recommendation is drawn:

1. To avoid mischief online, the users must have patient and avoid at

fighting with other people online at all cost.

2. It is a necessity to verify the information anybody posts online to

affirm its credibility and to avoid further dissemination of fake, false

or misleading information.
 42

3. To be a responsible user of the virtual space, people should keep in

mind that they need to be sensitive of what they want to express.

Being given the freedom to express themselves does not necessarily

mean they can post anything they want.

4. When making claims online, we should back up our statements with

credible facts.

5. People should avoid using offensive and harsh words when posting

online to avoid misunderstandings.